Physiotherapy Manual Guidelines
Physiotherapy Manual Guidelines
Physiotherapy Manual Guidelines
Prepared By:
Sr # Name
1. Shahzada Iftikhar
Physiotherapist
Former Project Manager Technical
2. Dr. Ibtsam Ijaz
MBBS, MCPS
Project Manager (Technical), P&SHD Govt. of the Punjab
Reviewed By:
Sr # Name
1. Dr. Shafqat Ali
MBBS, DPH
Senior Health Consultant
Project Management Unit, P&SHD, Lahore
Please note that this is a first draft, and may be subject to revisions. All information and
content in this Material is provided in good faith by Project Management Unit, Primary &
Secondary Healthcare Department and is based on sources believed to be reliable and
accurate at the time of development.
REVISION SHEET
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................................................................................... 8
2 PREFACE .................................................................................................................................... 10
3 SCOPE ......................................................................................................................................... 11
4 LEGAL/ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................ 12
4.1 INFORMED CONSENT ................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................................................... 13
5 PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT ...................................................................................... 14
5.1 PHYSICAL SETTING ...................................................................................................................... 14
5.2 THE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT ................................... 14
6 HUMAN RESOURCE OF THE PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT ............................... 15
6.1 RESPONSIBILITY MATRIX .......................................................................................................... 15
7 GENERAL POLICY GUIDELINES FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT ................ 17
8 REGISTERATION OF THE PATIENT .................................................................................. 18
8.1 PURPOSE .......................................................................................................................................... 18
8.2 RESPONSIBILITY ........................................................................................................................... 18
8.3 PROCEDURE .................................................................................................................................... 18
9 PHYSIOTHERAPY OUTPATIENT WORK PROCESS ....................................................... 19
9.1 PURPOSE .......................................................................................................................................... 19
9.2 RESPONSIBILITY ........................................................................................................................... 19
9.3 PROCEDURE .................................................................................................................................... 19
10 PHYSIOTHERAPY INPATIENT WORK PROCESS ........................................................... 24
10.1 PURPOSE ...................................................................................................................................... 24
10.2 RESPONSIBILITY ....................................................................................................................... 24
PHYSIOTHERAPIST & PHYSIOTHERAPY TECHNICIAN ................................................................ 24
10.3 PROCEDURE ................................................................................................................................ 24
11 FALL PRECAUTIONS .............................................................................................................. 26
11.1 PURPOSE ...................................................................................................................................... 26
11.2 RESPONSIBILITY ....................................................................................................................... 26
11.3 INDICATIONS .............................................................................................................................. 26
11.4 PROCEDURE ................................................................................................................................ 27
12 OPERATING PROCEDURES .................................................................................................. 29
12.1 PURPOSE ...................................................................................................................................... 29
12.2 RESPONSIBILITY ....................................................................................................................... 29
12.3 GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES ................................................................................. 29
12.3.1 DAILY PREPARATION ....................................................................................................................... 29
12.3.2 PROCESSING NEW PATIENTS........................................................................................................ 29
12.3.3 INFECTION CONTROL ....................................................................................................................... 29
12.4 SPECIFIC OPERATING PROCEDURES .................................................................................. 30
12.4.1 ULTRASOUND THERAPY ................................................................................................................. 30
12.4.2 INFRARED RADIATION..................................................................................................................... 32
12.4.3 PARAFFIN WAX BATH ...................................................................................................................... 33
12.4.4 MOIST HEAT THERAPY .................................................................................................................... 34
12.4.5 SHORT WAVE DIATHERMY ............................................................................................................ 35
PRIMARY & SECONDARY HEALTHCARE DEPARTMENT 5
PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT
1 ABBREVIATIONS
1 ABGs Arterial Blood Gases
2 ADLS Activities of Daily Life
3 AM Ante Meridiem
4 ARDS Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
5 BP Blood Pressure
6 BSPT Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
7 CNIC Computerized National Identification Card
8 COP Care of Patients
9 COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
10 CPM Continuous Passive Motion
11 CQI Continuous Quality Improvement
12 CT Computerized Tomography
13 CVA Cerebrovascular Accident
14 CXR Chest X-Ray
15 HCE Health Care Establishment
16 D/D Differential Diagnosis
17 DHQ District Head Quarter
18 DM Diabetes Mellitus
19 DMS Deputy Medical Superintendent
20 DPT Doctor of Physiotherapy
21 DVT Deep Venous Thrombosis
22 EAC Equipment Audit Committee
23 EMS Electric Muscle Stimulation
24 FAQ Frequently Asked Question
25 FIO2 Fraction of inspired oxygen
26 FITT Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type
27 FMS Facility Management and Safety
28 FWB Full Weight Bearing
29 Hb Hemoglobin
30 HCO3 Bicarbonate
31 HCPs Health Care Providers
32 HCT Hematocrit
33 HIC Hospital Infection Control
34 HIMS Hospital Information Management System
35 HOD Head Of Department
36 HR Heart Rate
37 HRM Human Resource Management
38 HTN Hypertension
39 ICN Infection Control Nurse
40 ICU Intensive Care Unit
41 ID Identification
42 IHD Ischemic Heart Disease
43 IMS Information Management System
44 IRR Infra-Red Radiation
45 IV Intravenous
46 LL Left Lower
47 LU Left Upper
48 MHz Megahertz
49 MOM Management of Medication
50 M-phill Master of Philosophy
51 MR Medical Record
52 MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging
53 MS Medical Superintendent
54 MSDS Minimum Service Delivery Standards
55 NWB No Weight Bearing
56 OPD Outdoor Patient Department
57 P&SHD Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department
58 PaO2 Partial Pressure of Oxygen
59 PCA Patient Controlled Analgesia
60 PCO2 Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide
61 PHC Punjab Healthcare Commission
62 PHD Doctor of Philosophy
63 PLTs Platelets
64 PM Post Meridiem
65 PPD Purified Protein Derivative
66 PPE Personal Protective Equipment
67 PPM Planned Preventive Maintenance
68 PT Physical Therapy
69 PWB Partial Weight Bearing
70 R/R Respiratory Rate
71 RBC Red Blood Cells
72 PH Potential Hydrogen
73 RL Right Lower
74 ROM Range Of Motion
75 RU Right Upper
76 SaO2 Oxygen Saturation
77 SLR Straight Leg Raising
78 SNIC Smart National Identification Card
79 SOP Standard Operating Procedure
80 SPO2 Oxygen Saturation
81 TENS Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
82 THQ Tehsil Head Quarter
83 TV Tidal Volume
84 UV Ultra Violet
85 VBGs Venous Blood Gases
86 W/cm2 Watt per Square Centimeter
87 WBC White Blood Cell
88 WNL Within Normal Limits
2 PREFACE
The goal of these Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is to provide policy guidelines
to the physiotherapists at DHQ and THQ hospitals of the Punjab for effective and better
health care services. The standards can only be complied with if the hospitals have
proper infrastructure, material and human resource to provide the required care. The
Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department aims to improve the quality of global
healthcare by encouraging high standards of physical therapy practice. The addition of
Allied Health Services at secondary health facilities is a revolutionary step taken by
P&SHD.
3 SCOPE
Physiotherapy is a “science of healing and art of caring”. It pertains to the clinical
examination, evaluation, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal,
Neurological, Cardio-Vascular, Respiratory and functional disorders. It deals with
methods of treatment based on movement, manual therapy, physical agents, and
therapeutics modalities rather than by drugs or surgery to relieve the pain and other
complications. Physical therapy is used to improve a patient's physical functions
through physical examination, diagnosis, prognosis, patient education, physical
intervention, rehabilitation, disease prevention and health promotion.
4 LEGAL/ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department expects physical therapists to:
1) Respect the rights and dignity of all individuals.
2) Comply with the laws and regulations governing the practice of physical therapy in the
country in which they practice.
3) Provide honest, competent and accountable professional services.
4) Promote patient safety and quality standards.
5) Provide quality health care services.
6) Provide accurate information to patients/clients and the community about physical
therapy and the services physical therapists provide.
7) Contribute to the planning and development of services which address the health needs
of the community.
8) Establish and maintain with the patient, an ongoing collaborative process of decision-
making that exists throughout the provision of services.
5 PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT
5.1 PHYSICAL SETTING
1) Physiotherapy department should be at Ground Floor (Preferably).
2) Area of Physiotherapy department should be 1000 square feet ideally.
3) Access to Physiotherapy Department should be ensured by both stairs and ramps,
clearly designed for patient arrival and departure. The pathways should facilitate free
movement of patient’s trolley, stretcher etc.
4) Adequate space for wheelchairs and patient trolleys should be ensured. The availability
of support services must be ensured.
5) Effective and standard signage for the guidance of patients should be ensured.
8.2 RESPONSIBILITY
Receptionist appointed at Reception of Physiotherapy Department.
8.3 PROCEDURE
1) Incharge Physiotherapy will ensure the availability of Receptionist during the routine
OPD hours.
4) A Medical Record Number will be issued to patient after recording all information on
Physiotherapy Register/ HIMS. (ANNEX-01)
9.2 RESPONSIBILITY
Physiotherapist & Physiotherapy technician.
9.3 PROCEDURE
1) Outdoor will be conducted on all working days where patients are seen on first come-
first serve basis.
2) Two types of Patient may visit for consultation with a qualified Physiotherapist which
includes patient referred by other specialties and walk in patients.
d. The following health care providers are authorized to refer patients to the physical
therapy department:
i. Surgeons, Physicians, Medical Officers, and Dentists.
ii. Outside (The Hospital) Surgeons, Physicians, and Dentists.
7) Plan of Care
a. Is based on the examination, evaluation, diagnosis and prognosis.
b. Shall Identify goals of care plan?
c. Shall be interdisciplinary when necessary to meet the needs of the patient.
d. Shall describe the proposed intervention, including frequency and duration.
e. Shall be dated, timed and appropriately authenticated by the treating
physiotherapist.
8) Informed Consent
Informed consent shall be obtained from the patient and his/her relative which shall be
duly signed by the Patient or treating Physiotherapist prior to any intervention or
modality. It shall be his responsibility to fully inform the patient and family, when
indicated, of the nature, need and possible consequences or untoward effects of any
procedures and to document such in the medical record.
9) Intervention
a. Is based on the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis and plan of care.
b. Shall be provided under the ongoing direction and supervision of the
physiotherapist.
c. Shall be altered in accordance with changes in patient response or status.
d. Shall be provided at a level that is consistent with current physiotherapy practice.
e. Shall be dated, timed and appropriately authenticated by the physiotherapist.
12) Referral
a. A referral system shall be in place to ensure that patients can access a physical
therapist either by direct access or from an appropriate referral source.
b. Where the examination, or any change in status reveals findings outside the scope
of knowledge, experience, and/or expertise of the physical therapist, the patient
shall be informed and referred to the appropriate practitioner/professional.
13) Communication/Coordination/Documentation
a. The physiotherapist shall communicate, coordinate and document all aspects of
patient management including the results of initial examination and evaluation,
diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, interventions, response to interventions,
changes in patient status relative to the interventions, re-examination, and
discharge/discontinuation of intervention and other patient management activities.
b. He shall review medical record and ensure the information is complete.
c. A qualified Physiotherapist shall conduct an evaluation and document the
following.
i. Presenting complaint and detailed history.
ii. Physical Assessment and examination.
iii. Interdisciplinary plan of care.
iv. Frequency and duration of intervention and follow-up plan.
v. Follow-up PT visits will be documented and will include the following:
Current subjective and objective status.
Current level of function.
Change in patient’s symptoms.
Changes in Physical therapy treatment plan.
Further follow-up visits required.
d. When indicated, communication with the referring provider shall be made by the
physical therapy staff and must be documented.
Plan of Care
Physiotherapy
Treatment/Intervention
10.2 RESPONSIBILITY
Physiotherapist & physiotherapy technician
10.3 PROCEDURE
1) Requests for consultation from the In-patient department require prompt patient
evaluation by Physiotherapist. Consultations should be provided within a reasonable
time frame, as determined by patient condition.
2) Physiotherapy consultation shall be completed in a timely fashion by conducting a
complete initial physical assessment and examination of patient.
Referred to Physiotherapy Assessment attached at ANNEX-03
Referred to Respiratory Therapy Assessment attached at ANNEX-04
3) Physiotherapist shall formulate and explain the plan of care to patient and primary
Physician.
4) While administering patient care, identify patient by calling his/her name and compare
with ID band applied.
5) Informed consent shall be obtained from the patient and his/her relative which will be
duly signed by the Patient or treating Physiotherapist prior to any intervention or
modality. It shall be his responsibility to fully inform the patient and family, when
indicated, of the nature, need and possible consequences or untoward effects of any
procedures and to document such in the medical record.
6) Physiotherapist shall make daily rounds and same must be documented in the
Physiotherapist Notes (ANNEX-05).
7) The physiotherapist shall re-examine the patient as necessary during an episode of care
to evaluate progress or change in patient status and modify the plan of care accordingly
or discontinue physiotherapy services.
8) The physiotherapist shall discharge the patient from physical therapy services when the
anticipated goals or expected outcomes for the patient have been achieved. He shall
discontinue intervention when the patient is unable to continue to progress toward goals
or when the physiotherapist determines that the patient will no longer benefit from
physiotherapy.
9) The Physiotherapist shall refer the patient to the appropriate practitioner on need basis.
Patient in ward
Assessment and
evaluation of the patient
Physiotherapy Treatment
Medical Record
Documentation
11 FALL PRECAUTIONS
Fall Precautions: safety measures observed to protect and prevent patient from
sustaining accidental fall.
11.1 PURPOSE
1) To make all staff and family members aware of the enforced precautionary measures.
2) To identify patients at risk of falls, initiate interventions to prevent falls and thus reduce
the risk of injury due to falls.
11.2 RESPONSIBILITY
Treating doctor, on duty doctor, Treating Physiotherapist, on duty Nurse
11.3 INDICATIONS
1) Partial Paralysis
2) Loss of limb
3) Blindness
4) Deafness
5) Impaired mobility
6) Other physical limitation or impaired sensorium/ uncooperative patient
7) Confusion/disorientation
8) Sedation/anesthesia
9) Slow reaction time
10) Lack of coordination
11) History of syncope
12) Convulsion/seizures
13) Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
14) 70 years or older
15) Nocturia
16) Recent significant blood loss
17) Previous fall (date _________)
11.4 PROCEDURE
1) All patients at risk will be assessed for fall risk and evaluated immediately upon
admission within a maximum of 3-4 hours after admission.
2) Registered Nurse will do the fall risk assessment by using the FALL RISK
ASSESSMENT form attached in ANNEX-06
3) Following assessment by the nurse, if the patient is found to be at high risk for falls, the
fall protocol will be initiated. The fall protocol consists of the following:
a. Red placard will be placed as signage at foot part of bed.
b. The patient will need assistance for transfers, ambulation and ADLs. The patient
may not be left unattended in his/her room or bathroom while up or in a chair.
c. The patient must be positioned in the bed with all side rails up in the position
d. Beds will be kept in the lowest position at all times with brakes locked.
e. Ensure that head and footboard of the bed is attached.
f. Patients will be checked at least every 2 hours with the frequency being adjusted
more frequently according to assessed patient needs.
g. Patients at high risk will be placed in beds close to nurse’s station to allow more
frequent observation.
h. Patient and family will be educated regarding the fall prevention program.
Education will be documented.
i. All patients will be instructed regarding their activity level.
j. Physical Therapy Department will be consulted for gait and/or strengthening
exercises, if needed.
k. While doing treatment, physiotherapist shall check the Patient fall risk assessment
score and do the necessary measures for prevention of falls.
l. The status of the patients at risk for falls will be a routine part of the end of shift
or transfer report.
4) Reassessment must be performed for all patients at risk for fall. Following are the
indications for reassessment:
a. Every shift
b. Following Procedural Sedation
c. Medication effects, such as those anticipated with sedation or diuretics
d. Immediate Postoperative ( Within 48 hours post-surgery)
e. Narcotic administration such as PCA or epidural analgesia
PRIMARY & SECONDARY HEALTHCARE DEPARTMENT 27
PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT
12 OPERATING PROCEDURES
12.1 PURPOSE
To provide definitive guidelines for the physical therapy treatment of patients in
physiotherapy department.
12.2 RESPONSIBILITY
Physiotherapist and Physiotherapy Technician
f. Methyl methacrylate cement and plastic are materials used for fixation or as
components of prosthetic joints. Because these materials are rapidly heated by
ultrasound, it is generally recommended that ultra-sound should not be applied
over a cemented prosthesis and where plastic components are used.
4) Infection control
a. Clean the transducer head with alcohol swab after every use.
5) Indications
a. Acute injury
b. Acute inflammation
c. Chronic indurated edema
d. Scar tissue
e. Soft tissue shortening (1 or 3 MHz frequency depending on the tissue depth at 1-
2.5 W/cm2 intensity)
f. Pain control (Continuous ultrasound, 1 or 3 MHz frequency, 0.5 to 3.0 W/cm2
intensity)
g. Dermal ulcers (0.8 to 1W/cm2 intensity, 3 MHz frequency)
h. Surgical skin incisions (0.5 to 0.8 W/cm2 intensity, pulsed)
i. Tendon injuries (0.5 to 1.5 W/cm2 intensity, Continuous, 1 or 3 MHz
frequency)
j. Resorption of calcium deposits.
k. Bone fractures (pulsed, 0.1W/cm2 intensity, 1.5MHz frequency)
l. Carpal tunnel syndrome (1 MHz frequency, 1W /cm2 intensity, pulsed)
m. Phonophoresis (3 MHz frequency, Pulsed, 0.5 to 0.75 W/cm2 intensity)
n. Plantar warts (0.6 to 0.8W/cm2 intensity, Continuous)
o. Herpes zoster infection(7)
6) Contraindications
a. Avoid exposure to the developing fetus
b. Malignancy
c. Vascular abnormalities including DVT and severe atherosclerosis
d. Acute infections
e. Joint Replacement
f. Hemophilia’s
g. Specialized tissue e.g. eye and testes
h. The stellate ganglion
PRIMARY & SECONDARY HEALTHCARE DEPARTMENT 31
PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT
4) Indications
a. Acute pain
b. Muscle spasm
c. Prior to stretching
d. Superficial wounds and infections
e. Arthritic joints
f. Antidote of excessive UV radiations
5) Contraindications
a. Areas with poor or deficient skin sensation
b. Generalized advanced cardiovascular disease
c. Local areas of impaired peripheral circulation
d. Extensive scar tissue
e. Deep X Ray treatment or other ionizing radiation (in the last 6 months) in the
region being treated
f. Malignant tissue (except in terminal / palliative / hospice care)
g. Subjects with reduced levels of consciousness or impaired understanding
h. Acute febrile illness
i. Some acute skin conditions e.g. eczema, dermatitis
j. Sensitive structures (e.g. eyes and testes)
c. Dip the lint clothe in the wax bath, clear the excess wax on the cloth and wrap it
around the area to be treated.
d. Duration of the procedure is 20 – 30minutes.
3) Precautions
a. Patient should be cautioned not to change position during treatment.
b. Paraffin can easily fall to the floor during treatment making the floor slippery.
c. Paraffin wax is flammable.
d. Don’t use wax over the area with circulatory insufficiency.
4) Infection control
a. Change the lint cloth after every use.
b. Wax bath to be cleaned with the spirit when the wax is replaced with new.
c. Lint cloth has to be discarded if used in infectious patient.
5) Indications
a. To relieve pain in case of
i. Osteoarthritis
ii. Rheumatoid arthritis
iii. Fibromyalgia
iv. Other Joint Mobility issues etc
6) Contraindications
a. Broken skin.
b. Skin Rashes
c. Poor blood circulation
d. Numbness in hands or feet
3) Precautions
a. Extra towel must be utilized, so heat is not transferred too quickly and results in
burn.
4) Indications
a. Pain control
b. Muscle spasm
c. Wound healing
d. Chronic Back ache
e. Arthritis
f. Ankylosing spondylitis
5) Contraindications
a. Acute inflammation or injury
b. Malignancy
c. Dermatitis
d. Peripheral Vascular Disease
e. Impairment of skin sensation
5) Contraindications
a. Areas of poor or deficient thermal skin sensation.
b. Metal in the tissues.
c. Circulatory compromise or deficit including ischemic tissue, thrombosis and
associated conditions.
d. Advanced cardiovascular conditions.
e. Pacemakers
f. Pregnancy
g. Recent or current hemorrhage
h. Avoid irradiation of the lower trunk, abdomen or pelvis during menstruation.
i. Malignancy
j. Active tuberculosis
k. Deep X Ray therapy or other ionizing radiations (in the last 6 months) in the
region to be treated Patients who are unable to cooperate.
12.4.6 ELECTRIC STIMULATION
Electrical stimulation is the use of electricity to stimulate nerves and muscles. It is
used to accomplish a variety of therapeutic purposes, such as effect on de innervated
muscles, innervated muscle and decreased spasm.
1) Preparation of the patient
a. The part to be treated must be cleaned and free form cuts, rashes or infections.
b. Inform the patient about the treatment and sensation to be experienced – mild
pricking sensation.
2) Procedure
a. Explain the procedure to the patient.
b. Place the dispersive electrode on an antagonistic muscle surface and active
electrode over area being treated.
c. Set the intensity based on the muscle contraction.
d. Duration of the procedure is 10 – 30 minutes.
3) Precautions
a. Use correct type of current for de innervated and innervated muscles.
b. Equipment should be over mackintosh sheet.
c. Make sure the intensity knob to be turned to zero prior to turning on the
machine.
d. Stimulations should not be used in Patients with pacemakers, Pregnancy
(abdominal and/or pelvic area), Pain of unknown origin.
4) Infection control
a. Use new cotton padding for every treatment.
5) Indications
a. Acute pain
b. Chronic intractable pain
c. Back ache
d. Tendinitis
e. Bursitis
f. Muscle weakness
g. To improve wound contraction and scar quality
6) Contraindications:
a. Altered skin sensation
b. Patients with Pace makers
c. Pregnancy
d. Deep vein thrombosis
e. Pain of unknown origin
f. Impaired mental status
g. Malignancy
h. Heat Sensitivity
12.4.7 CRYOTHERAPY
Cryotherapy describes multiple types of cold application that use the type of
electromagnetic energy classified as infrared radiation. When cold is applied to skin
(warmer object), heat is removed or lost. This is referred to as heat abstraction. The
most common modes of heat transfer with cold application are conduction and
evaporation.
1) Preparation of the patient
a. Drape the patient, expose the area to be treated, place the patient in comfortable
position.
b. The part to be treated must be cleaned and free form cuts, rashes or infections.
c. Inform the patient about the treatment and sensation to be experienced – cold
2) Procedure
a. Cryotherapy is usually applied for 20 to 30 minutes for maximum cooling of
both superficial and deep tissues.
b. Barriers used between the ice application and skin can affect heat abstraction.
Research has shown that a dry towel or dry elastic wrap should not be used in
procedure times of 30 minutes or less. Rather, the cold agent should be applied
directly to the skin for optimal therapeutic effects.
c. Furthermore, ice packs can be molded to the body’s contours, held in place by
a cold compression wrap, and elevated above the heart to minimize swelling
and pooling of fluids in the interstitial tissue spaces.
d. During the initial treatments, the skin should be checked frequently for wheal
or blister formation
3) Precautions
a. Do not apply cryotherapy directly to skin for more than 30 minutes.
b. Skin integrity should be monitored during treatment
c. Extended treatment may lead to neurapraxia.
4) Indications
a. Pain
b. Hypertonicity
c. Muscle Spasm
d. Acute muscle strain
e. Acute ligament sprain
f. Bursitis
g. Tenosynovitis
h. Tendinitis
i. Acute contusion
j. Strength training
5) Contraindications
a. Decreased cold sensitivity and/or hypersensitivity
PRIMARY & SECONDARY HEALTHCARE DEPARTMENT 38
PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT
b. Cold allergy
c. Raynaud’s disease or cold
d. Peripheral vascular disease
e. Urticarial
f. Hypertension
g. Uncovered open wounds
12.4.8 VAPO COOLANT SPRAYS
Fluor methane is a nonflammable, nontoxic spray that uses rapid evaporation of
chemicals on the skin area to cool the skin prior to stretching a muscle. The effects are
temporary and superficial.
1) Preparation of the patient
a. Drape the patient, expose the area to be treated, place the patient in comfortable
position.
b. The part to be treated must be cleaned and free form cuts, rashes or infections.
c. Inform the patient about the treatment and sensation to be experienced.
2) Procedure
a. When using a Vapo-coolant spray to increase ROM in an area where no
trigger point is present, the patient is comfortably positioned with the muscle
passively stretched. The bottle of Vapo-coolant spray is then inverted and held
at a 30° to 45° angle and sprayed approximately 12 to 18 inches away from the
skin.
b. The entire length of the muscle is sprayed two to three times in a
unidirectional, parallel sweeping pattern as a gradual stretch is applied by the
Physical Therapist. When using this spray to treat trigger points and
myofascial pain, the Physical Therapist must first determine the presence of an
active trigger point.
c. This is accomplished by putting the muscle under moderate tension, followed
by application of firm pressure over the painful site for 5 to 10 seconds.
3) Precautions
a. Do not spray in the eyes.
b. Do not use this product on diabetics or persons with poor circulation or
insensitive skin. Over application of the product might alter skin pigmentation.
4) Indications
a. Myofascial pain
PRIMARY & SECONDARY HEALTHCARE DEPARTMENT 39
PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT
5) Contraindications
a. Hypersensitivity
b. Poor blood circulation
g. Spinal exercise
h. Respiratory exercise
i. Strengthening exercise
j. Co-ordination exercise
k. Vertigo exercise
l. Mat exercise
m. Postural drainage
n. Therapeutic Massage
o. Chest manipulation
p. Diabetic exercise
q. Antenatal exercise
r. Post natal exercise
s. Pre-operative exercise
t. Post-operative exercise
u. Pelvic floor exercise
v. Ambulation exercise
12.4.10 PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST
Pulmonary function test is performed to assess the functional states of the
lungs. It measures how well the lungs take in and exhale air and how
efficiently they transfer oxygen into the blood.
1) Procedure
In a pulmonary function test or spirometer test, a person breathes into
mouthpiece that is connected to an instrument called a Spiro meter. The Spiro
meter records the amount and the rate of air that is breathed in and out over a
specified time. Some of the test measurements are obtained by normal, quiet
breathing and other tests require forced inhalation or exhalation after a deep
breath.It is designed to measure changes in volume and can only measure lung
volume compartments that exchange gas with the atmosphere. Spiro meters
with electronic signal outputs also measure flow (volume per unit of time). A
device is usually attached to the Spiro-meter which measures the movement of
gas in and out of the chest and is referred to as a Spiro-graph.
2) Precautions
a. Do not eat a heavy meal before the test .
b. Do not smoke for 4 – 6 hours prior to the test .
PRIMARY & SECONDARY HEALTHCARE DEPARTMENT 41
PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT
b. Recent MI
c. Active Hemoptysis
d. Pneumothorax
13.2 RESPONSIBILITY
Physiotherapist, Medical Superintendent, Quality Assurance Officer
13.3 PROCEDURE
1) Systematic documentation of a single patient's history and care across time in
Physiotherapy department is mandatory and it is primary responsibility of
Physiotherapist.
2) Physiotherapy Medical record of a particular patient is confidential and his/her right to
privacy must be respected at all times.
3) Medical records must be maintained for every individual who receives care by
physiotherapist whether outdoor or as inpatient.
4) In-Patient file containing physiotherapy assessment and notes along with other medical
records will remain in the custody of nursing staff during the entire stay of patient in
DHQ/ THQ hospital.
5) Physiotherapist/ Physiotherapy Technician shall request the nursing staff on duty for
patient’s file to endorse his/her entry.
6) The author of every entry in physiotherapy medical records is identified through
signatures, names and designation.
7) The author of entry must make sure that every entry fulfills the following criteria
a. Date of entry
b. Time of entry
c. Authenticated by his/her legible name ,signature and designation
8) After the discharge/death/referral /admission of patient, nursing staff on duty shall
complete the medical record in all aspects and hand it over to Medical Record
Section
9) Patient Physiotherapy Record must contain:
a. Medical Record Number along with patient bio-data, date and time of
admission,
10) All entries must be legible, accurate, clinically relevant and authenticated.
14 STATISTICAL RECORDS
14.1 PURPOSE
To establish guidelines to maintain patient’s statistical record, duties record of
personnel, equipment records etc.
14.2 RESPONSIBILITY
Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy Technician, DMS, Quality Assurance Officer
14.3 PROCEDURE
1) Details of all patients visited in Physiotherapy Department must be documented in
record register which will include patient demographic data, date & time of visit,
diagnosis along with disposition details.
2) There should be a separate record register for indoor consultation.
3) There should be record maintained for duty replacements of physiotherapy staff inside
the unit.
4) Daily generated waste in unit may be entered in waste record register.
5) Evidences of trainings conducted for staff must be maintained in training file.
6) There should be a separate file for equipment used in department with their inventory
list, service history record, PPM record, inspection checklists.
7) Physiotherapist and DMS In charge will be responsible for assembling, archiving and
retrieving of all these records.
15.2 RESPONSIBILITY
ICN, Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy Technician, Quality Assurance Officer, Medical
Superintendent.
15.3 PROCEDURES
1) Physical therapists should familiarize themselves with the standards for infection
prevention and control at the facility in which they practice and also the standards
recommended by their national/provincial/state/local health departments.
2) Physical therapy staff should have access to relevant and current information on
infection prevention and control.
3) The Staff working in physiotherapy department must be trained on infection
prevention and control policies and procedures.
4) Physical therapists shell implement best practices in infection prevention and control
in clinic and procedure rooms.
5) Physiotherapist shall ensure all staff working in physiotherapy department must
comply with the following standard precautions and protocols:
a. Hand washing
b. Use of protective PPE where appropriate
c. Staff Vaccination
d. Ensuring prevention of needle stick/sharp injuries
e. Appropriate patient preparation in accordance with infection control
guidelines.
f. Ensuring environmental cleaning and professional housekeeping.
16.3 PROCEDURE
1) The CQI Committee comprises of the following individuals:
a. MS of the HCE,
b. Medical Consultant
c. Surgical Consultant
d. DMS Quality Control
e. Quality Assurance Officer
2) All quality improvement efforts in unit are guided by following MSDS from MSDS
reference manual of PHC.
a. Access, Assessment and continuity of care AAC( lab and radiological services
provided to patients)
b. COP 1. Emergency services
c. COP 2. Blood bank services provided to patients
d. COP 4. and COP 5 for patients undergoing surgical or other procedures.
e. Management of medication MOM
f. Patient Rights and Education PRE
g. Hospital Infection Control HIC
h. Facility Management and Safety FMS
i. Human Resource Management HRM
j. Information Management System IMS
3) In addition to these, the Physiotherapy department participates in the required MSDS
quality monitors for:
a. Appropriate patient assessment with plan of care including physical therapy
treatment and its documentation in medical record (Physiotherapy Card).
b. Safe and effective service delivery resulting in patient satisfaction.
c. Continuous learning and development process.
d. Quality control and infection control programs ( including defined SOPs,
17 EQUIPMENTS
17.1 ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Sr# Modalities Details
1) Cold Modalities a. Hot/Cold Packs
b. Refrigerator
c. Vapo-coolant Spray
2) Dry Heating Modalities a. Electrical Heating
Pads
b. Infra-Red Radiations
3) Wet Heating Modalities a. Hot pack
b. Hot pack unite
c. Paraffin bath
4) Therapeutic ULTRASOUND unit
5) Shortwave Diathermy unit
6) Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
7) Electrical Muscle Stimulation
8) Treadmill
9) Mats
10) Quadriceps Bench
11) Ergometer Cycling
12) Dumbell Rack – Double (Holds 10 Pairs)
13) Mirror
14) Floor Mounted Parallel Bars
15) Balance Boards
16) Wedges
17) Pully System
18) Treatment couch
19) Trollies
20) Bench
21) Stool
4) The P&SHD will ensure that the record regarding purchase and maintenance of
equipment and machinery is properly documented and maintained.
5) An outline record card will be included with each schedule for recording
measurement. The engineer should also note on the record card any item that needs to
be replaced.
6) The Department will ensure that no equipment is non-functional by ensuring regular
repairs, preventive maintenance, and provision of essential spares.
7) Equipment not working must be tagged “OUT OF ORDER”
8) Any work carried out by the biomedical technician or engineer should be recorded in
Equipment History card as follows:
a. Time spent for servicing.
b. Description of service being carried out
c. Status of equipment after servicing
d. Name of the technician / engineer attended
e. Date of equipment commissioned and break down during warranty period.
18 SAFETY MEASURES
18.1 PURPOSE
These have been designated;
1) To prevent inadvertent or hazardous event from taking place.
2) To protect the patient from any harm during the course of hospitalization.
3) To caution patient, relative, and the staff of any hazardous events.
4) To urge the patient/healthcare providers to observe safety measures to avoid dangers
when performing duties.
a. Safety security; freedom from danger, injury, damage, and harmful side-effects.
b. Precautions actions, words, or signs by which warning is given or taken before
any inadvertent or hazardous event might takes place.
18.2 RESPONSIBILITY
Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy technician, Supporting Staff
1) The physiotherapist is responsible for maintaining safety standards, developing safety
rules, supervising and training of staff in departmental standards.
2) The physiotherapist is responsible to inform facility administration in case of any safety
hazard.
3) All physiotherapy employees shall report defective equipment, unsafe conditions and
acts, or safety hazards to the head of the department.
18.3 PROCEDURE
Safety precaution should be strictly observed at all times. It is the responsibility of
every hospital employee. Patients and relatives are not excused from observing safety
measures for their benefit.
19 FAQS
19.1 WHAT IS PHYSIOTHERAPY AND WHO ARE
PHYSIOTHERAPISTS?
Physiotherapy means Physio-therapeutic system of medicine which includes
examination, diagnosis, treatment, advice and instruction to any person preparatory to
or for the purpose of or in connection with movement dysfunction, bodily malfunction,
physical disorder, disability, healing & pain from trauma & disease physical & mental
conditions using physical agents including exercise, mobilization, manipulation,
mechanical and electrotherapy activity & devices or diagnosis treatment & prevention.
A professionally university trained person who administers physiotherapy treatment is
known as Physiotherapist.
6) The therapist will then formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat
those problems.
7) A plan is subsequently developed with the patient's input. This includes how many
times you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy,
home programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected
after discharge from therapy. This plan is created with input from you, your therapist,
and your doctor.
Pain is a serious problem. However, many do not even know that physical therapists
are well equipped to not only treat pain but also its source. Physical therapists are
experts at treating movement and Neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Pain often
accompanies a movement disorder, and physical therapists can help correct the disorder
and relieve the pain.Physiotherapy is the treatment of the pain and all conditions
without medicines.
19.8 WHAT DO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS DO?
Physical therapists treat patients with orthopedic problems, such as low back pain or
knee surgeries, to reduce pain and regain function. Physical therapists provide to
assist patients recovering from a stroke, use of their limbs and walk again. The ability
to maintain an upright posture and to move your arms and legs to perform all sorts of
tasks and activities is an important component of your health. All of these activities
require the ability to move without difficulty or pain.
Physical therapists are experts in movement and function. They also provide services
to athletes at all levels to screen for potential problems and institute preventive
PRIMARY & SECONDARY HEALTHCARE DEPARTMENT 57
PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT
In some cases, physical therapy techniques can be painful. For example, recovering
knee range of motion after total knee replacement or shoulder range of motion after
shoulder surgery may be painful. Your physical therapist will utilize a variety of
techniques to help maximize your treatment goals. It is important that you
communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist. Without
this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan.
20 ANNEXURES
20.1 (ANNEX-01)
21 REFERENCES
1) HEC. CURRICULUM OF DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY (DPT). june 2011;
Available from:
http://hec.gov.pk/english/services/universities/RevisedCurricula/Documents/2010-
2011/PhysicalTherapy-2010.pdf.
2) Therapy WCfP. Ethical principlesJune 2011: Available from:
http://www.wcpt.org/ethical-principles.
3) (WCPT) WCfPT. WCPT guideline for standards of physical therapy practice2011:
Available from:
http://www.wcpt.org/sites/wcpt.org/files/files/Guideline_standards_practice_complete.p
df.
4) Therapy. WCfP. Policy statement: Regulation of the physical therapy profession. 2011.
5) Therapy. WCfP. Policy statement: Support personnel for physical therapy practice. 2011.
6) Association APT. Criteria for standards of practice for physical therapy. 2014.
7) Singh J. Textbook of Electrotherapy: JAYPEE BROTHERS PUBLISHERS; 2012.
8) Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Combined Hospital L. Manual of Operations. Physiotherapy
Departmental. 15/1/2008.
9) Starkey C. Therapeutic modalities: FA Davis; 2013.
10) Rennie G, Michlovitz S. Biophysical principles of heating and superficial heating agents.
CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES IN REHABILITATION. 1995;1:107-38.
11) Allen K, &Goodman, C. A Guidlines For Allied Helth Professionals. 2014.
12) Behrens BJ, Beinert H. Physical agents theory and practice: FA Davis; 2014.
13) Nadler SF, Weingand K, Kruse RJ. The physiologic basis and clinical applications of
cryotherapy and thermotherapy for the pain practitioner. Pain physician. 2004;7(3):395-
400.
14) Holdsworth LK, Webster VS, McFadyen AK, Group SPSRS. Self-referral to
physiotherapy: deprivation and geographical setting: is there a relationship? Results of a
national trial. Physiotherapy. 2006;92(1):16-25.
15) (WCPT) WCfPT. Direct access and patient/client self-referral to physical therapy. 2011.
16) (WCPT) WCfPT. Policy statement: Physical therapy records management: record
keeping, storage, retrieval and disposal. 2011.
17) (WCPT) WCfPT. Policy statement: Infection prevention and control. 2011.
18) therapy CSOP. Quality Assurance Standards for physiotherapy service delivery. 2012.