Credit Hours
1.75 Scientific Credits
Learning Objectives
- Discuss the value of the CPO's documentation of physical exam findings with respect to EMR and interprofessional communication.
- Articulate foundational principles with regard to manual muscle testing, joint range of motion assessment, and muscle length testing.
- Describe instances where muscle strength and range of motion assessments play a role in prosthetic or orthotic decision-making.
Course Description
Leveling Up Your Physical Exam: O&P Decision-Making and Communication (AM2025-OS10)
Many healthcare providers are not aware that Certified Prosthetist Orthotists (CPOs) are trained to evaluate joint range of motion, ligamentous integrity, muscle length, and muscle strength. Without demonstrating these skills, CPOs cannot fully justify their ability to make clinical decisions in orthotics and prosthetics. One aspect of securing our place at the professional table is demonstrating the ability to comprehensively assess a patient’s physical status in a way that is consistent with other rehabilitative healthcare practitioners. This organized session will review best practices in physical exam procedures (evaluation of range of motion, muscle length, muscle strength, and orthopedic special tests) related to lower limb orthotic and prosthetic decision-making. Panelists will review the following areas and directly relate them to O&P decisions: standard procedures for initial evaluation and follow-up, clinical “cheats” and the implications of deviating from standard procedures, normal ranges, aligning physical exam findings with observational gait analysis, and the interpretation of positive findings. Panelists will also discuss timing and efficiency of exam procedures in order to maximize time in the patient room. Participants will be asked to share their clinical practices through polling and group discussion and will be provided with tools and references to practice and improve their musculoskeletal assessment skills.
Event Presenter(s)
Presenter Name(s)
- Ashley Mullen, PhD, MSAT, CPO
- Molly McCoy, CPO
- Sally Kenworthy, PhD, MPO, CPO
- Matthew A. Parente, MS, PT, CPO, FAAOP(D)
Disclaimer
The user acknowledges that the workshops, handouts, and related course materials contained therein are intended for educational purposes only, and should not be considered to be legal advice or a substitute for legal or clinical consultation. These presentations address issues that are multi-faceted, and the user should not assume that the courses discuss every law, regulation, or ethical code that may be relevant to the subject matter. Legal and ethical standards are subject to change and it is always prudent to check to see whether a particular law, regulation, or ethical standard may have changed.
Refunds/Cancellations: AAOP does not offer refunds for On-Demand Library purchases.