This first major component of the disablement model refers to disruptions of the body’s homeostasis as the result of acute or chronic diseases, disorders, or conditions characterized by a set of abnormal findings (clusters of signs and symptoms) that are indicative of alterations or interruptions of structure or function of the […]

During the early 1990s physical therapists began to explore the potential use of disablement models and suggested that disablement schema and related terminology provided an appropriate framework for clinical decision making in practice and research. In addition, practitioners and researchers suggested that consistent use of disablement related language could be […]

Several models that depict the process of disablement have been proposed over the past 40 years. The first two schema developed were the Nagi model and the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH) model for the World Health Organization (WHO). The ICIDH model was revised after its original publication, with adjustments made in […]

It has been said that the physical therapy profession is defined by a body of knowledge and clinical applications that are directed toward the elimination or resolution of disability.Understanding the disabling consequences of disease, injury, and abnormalities of development and how the risk of potential disability can be reduced, therefore, must be fundamental to the […]

Regardless of the type of therapeutic exercise interventions in a patient’s exercise program, safety is a fundamental consideration in every aspect of the program whether the exercises are performed independently or under a therapist’s supervision. Patient safety, of course, is paramount; nonetheless, the safety of the therapist must also be considered, […]

Therapeutic exercise procedures embody a wide variety of activities, actions, and techniques. The techniques selected for an individualized therapeutic exercise program are based on a therapist’s determination of the underlying cause or causes of a patient’s impairments, functional limitations, or disability.The types of therapeutic exercise interventions presented here are listed below. Additional […]

The ability to function independently at home, in the workplace, within the community, or during leisure and recreational activities is contingent upon physical as well as psychological and social function. The multidimensional aspects of physical function encompass the diverse yet interrelated areas of performance
Balance. The ability to align body segments against […]

Almost everyone, regardless of age, values the ability to function as independently as possible during everyday life. Health-care consumers (patients and clients) typically seek out or are referred for physical therapy services because of physical impairments associated with movement disorders caused by injury, disease, or health-related conditions that interfere with […]

Continued from Patient-Client Management Model (Part 1)
Prognosis—the predicted optimal level of functional improvement within a time frame—will also help determine intervention strategies. Predicting the level of improvement guides the intensity, duration, and style of intervention. The combination of diagnosis and prognosis is used to justify physical therapy management. The prognosis for […]

The Patient-Client Management Model has five components: examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention. The end result of this model is effective outcomes.
Examination is the first step of the process. It has three parts: the history, systems review, and tests and measures. The examination should be thorough and use all sources, including […]

Good clinical decision making is key to effective patient management. Physical therapists play a critical role in assessing neuromusculoskeletal problems. As more patients enter the medical system through the general practitioner, the patient is often referred to physical therapy without a clear diagnosis, especially those patients with musculoskeletal complaints. Physical […]

The disablement model is distinctly different from the classic medical model, where the emphasis is on treating the specific diagnosis with pharmacology or surgery. The disablement model emphasizes the functional and health status of individuals, with intervention based on improving these aspects of the patient’s condition. The model has four […]