UPS SOMPTA Blog

Legislative Impact Day 2009

2009-01-24T09:11:00.000-08:00

Colleagues,

The WA Chapter held its chapter rally/lobby day this morning at the state capitol today in support of its legislation (SB 5230) to remove the current spinal manipulation prohibition which was inserted into the WA PT Act back in 1988.

There were 625 PT participants at the rally – which is HUGE for state lobby day (I am unaware of any state chapter ever holding a capitol rally as big as this!) The WA Chapter really did an excellent job.

Today’s event has garnered a lot of media attention. Be sure to check out the online story the Seattle Times website:

http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/politicsnorthwest/2009/01/22/the_campus_is_heating_up.html

Scroll down to bottom where there is a video and pictures of today’s event!

ACTION REQUIRED – please submit comments in the ‘comment section’ underneath the news article, i.e. refuting the chiros claims that PTs don’t have the education to perform manipulation, as well as their concerns over “safety.” Also please highlight the benefits to the patient and how removal of this prohibition is good for health care, good for provider choice, and is good for cost containment, etc.. It would nice to generate a lot of “pro-PT” comments for this news article as it is sure to make the rounds over the next days on the internet. State legislators will be reading this in days to come!

Key points to make if you submit comments to the article:

* The removal of this will benefit patients in WA state by providing choice

* PTs do have the education to perform manipulation– the Normative Model requires curriculum in manipulation for a PT school to be accredited.

* There is no documented safety issue with PTs performing spinal manipulation.

* PTs do a majority of the research on spinal manipulation.

* Washington is only one of two states that have this ridiculous prohibition. The prohibition was put there decades ago as part of a political deal, not for any logical reason.

Please share this with your friends and colleagues!

Timothy W. Flynn, PT, PhD
President, AAOMPT

Election Results!

2008-11-21T06:54:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to those brave souls who have agreed to become next years SOMPTA Officers!

C0-Chairmen : Brandon Bennett & Shelby Gihring

Co-Vice Chairmen: Adam Henson & Chelsea Athing

Secretary/Treasurer: Mandy Olney

Thanks for stepping up and being leaders among your peers!

PT and Neck/Arm Pain

2008-10-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
PHYSICAL THERAPY AND EXERCISE PROVEN A BETTER ALTERNATIVE FOR NECK AND ARM PAIN SUFFERERS.

Tallahassee, Florida, October 20, 2008 – Neck pain is one of the top 10 reasons for a patient to visit a doctor. The lead article in the most recent issue Spine reports on the results of a randomized clinical trial which demonstrated that patients who received manual physical therapy and exercise had twice the improvement in symptoms compared to the current guideline group. The subjects in the study experienced both short and long term improvements in their neck pain. The study compared the use of manual therapy and exercise compared to the current guidelines of advice, rest, and range of motion. The results of this study are comparable to those reported by Hoving et al in 2002, which also demonstrated that manual physical therapy and exercise resulted in excellent clinical results in the treatment of neck pain while also providing a significant cost savings compared to usual physician care (Kothals-de Bos et al 2003). Manual physical therapy includes the use of hands-on techniques including joint and soft-tissue mobilization, designed to restore motion and reduce pain. Hurwitz et al (2008) concluded in a systematic review on neck pain also in the journal Spine, “Our best evidence synthesis suggests that therapies involving manual therapy and exercise are more effective than alternative strategies for patients with neck pain.”

Tim Flynn, PT, PhD, president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy, expressed confidence that, “This study broadens the base and depth of evidence that manual physical therapy is the first line treatment for patients suffering from neck and arm pain.” He continued, “Year after year the physical therapy profession continues to produce high quality randomized, controlled trials that demonstrate conclusively that our profession provides better outcomes for less money, while also being substantially safer than other medical interventions. Wake up America, to a new day without pain.” If you have neck or back pain or the aches and pains of musculoskeletal problems contact your local physical therapist today.

Meeting Minutes 9.22.08

2008-09-22T20:30:00.001-07:00

SOMPTA
(Student Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Association)
Meeting Minutes
9/22/2008

I. AAOMPT (American Academy of Manual Physical Therapy)

a. National Organization formed outside of APTA

b. Only MT group in the nation in IFOMT (International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Therapists)

c. AAOMPT and SOMPTA is more than just MANIPULATION!

d. MT is also soft tissue, mobilization, myofascial techniques, etc...

e. SOMPTA is a SSIG (Student special interest group) of AAOMPT

II. Manual Therapy

a. MT and exercise is proven to be more effective than other treatment options

b. This group is for people who enjoy using their hands and their manual skills

III. SOMPTA Membership

a. Each SOMPTA member MUST be a member of AAOMPT ($15 registration fee) –requirement of APTA in order for SOMPTA to be a sSIG

b. $10 annual fee

i. Please make checks to SOMPTA and either drop checks off in the SOMPTA box in the chart room or turn them into Yoshi

ii. Due 10/6/08

IV. 2008 AAOMPT Conference

a. Oct. 29^th –Nov.2^nd

b. Student registration fee - $145

c. Pre-conference is on Thursday from 1-6pm – no registration fee

d. SOMPTA will provide some funding. Specific amount will be determined based on amount of students who are registered to attend the conference.

V. How Spinal Manipulative Therapy Works: Why ask Why

a. JOSPT

b. See attached

VI. SOMPTA Elections

a. November

b. Open to 1^st and 2^nd Year members

VII. Rally Day

a. When: January 22, 2008

b. Where: Olympia

c. What: Meet legislatures and talk to them regarding current legislative topics

d. Why: Great experience, get our names out there, know the ropes

VIII. Open lab

a. Every other Monday

b. C-114 will be open to practice any manual techniques

IX. Funding

a. Email any fundraiser ideas to BJ (bradleystockton@gmail.com), Karin (ktownsend@ups.edu), or Yoshi (ryoshizu@ups.edu)

Manipulation Legislative Battles, Advocacy and Practice Protection

2008-09-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

When: October 30, 2008 1-6pm; followed by a reception with legislators

Who:        William Boissonnault, Steve McDavitt, Ken Olson, Melissa Johnson
Where:    Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Seattle
                American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Therapists

How: www.letsmeet.net/forms/aaompt/aaomptReg.aspx

Calling all Washington State Physical Therapists to seize this critical opportunity to learn about and support our legislative effort to erase language prohibiting spinal manipulation in our state! Register now www.letsmeet.net/forms/aaompt/aaomptReg.aspx and attend this landmark occasion with national leaders of our profession coming to Seattle to support our efforts.

AAOMPT sSIG Leadership Committee

2008-07-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

AAOMPT-sSIG members!
Please give a very warm welcome to your incoming sSIG Leadership Committee!!

President - Rebecca Hardy, Regis University
Vice President - Stephen Brittain, Texas Woman's University
Secretary - Angela M , Regis University
Treasurer - Pending..
Member at Large - Rachel Stockdale, University of Kansas Medical Center

AAOMPT –sSIG Executive Elections

2008-06-02T00:34:00.000-07:00

Now Requesting New Platforms!!!

The purpose of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy – student special interest group (AAOMPT-sSIG) is to serve its members by fostering active student involvement in the AAOMPT. This will be done by facilitating the advancement of the orthopedic manual physical therapy practice and enhancing the use of current evidence-based manual physical therapy practice.

Goals of the AAOMPT-sSIG
-To provide extra opportunities to grow as a student PT
-Promote discussions between students, faculty, and fellows
-Accelerate decision making skills and processes
-Networking with future colleagues

The AAOMPT-sSIG will start requesting platforms for executive positions on June 2nd and will run until June 16th. Platforms will be posted for active student members to view and elections will be held on the 23rd. If you are interested in running for a position please send platforms kwong2@kumc.edu by June 16th. See below for instructions on elections process.
-Executive Committee Positions two year term – the first year will consist of learning and assisting; the second year you will play the active role and mentor the incoming committee.

Requirements
-AAOMPT student member ($15 to join at aaompt.org)Starting the 2nd year of PT school (to allow for a 2 year term)
-Manual therapy experience (education background and/or clinical rotation background)

Description of Positions:
President: The President shall be responsible for preparing agendas and conducting all meetings of the AAOMPT-sSIG Leadership Committee. He/she shall report biannually to the AAOMPT-sSIG membership. The President will play a supervisory role to ensure the promotion and action of the AOMPT-sSIG Mission. He/she shall serve as a liaison between the Leadership Committee and the members of the sSIG. He/she shall be the chief liaison between the Leadership Committee and the AAOMPT Executive Committee
Vice President: The Vice-President shall assist President in all duties and assume those duties in the President’s absence. He/she shall assume responsibility for maintaining internal relations among members of the sSIG.
Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for managing the funds allocated to the SSIG by the AAOMPT and any funds collected through fund-raising events. He/she shall be responsible for accessing funds in accordance to the decisions made by the Leadership Committee. He/she shall maintain accurate and complete records of financial transactions and make these available to the SSIG or AAOMPT upon request. The records of transactions shall be reviewed and audited by the Secretary at least on an annual basis. He/she shall be a source for understanding the financial system within the AAOMPT-SSIG in regards to purchase orders, check requests, deposits, etc. He/she shall assume duties of Secretary in the Secretary’s temporary absence.
Secretary: The Secretary shall conduct the election of AAOMPT-SSIG officers The Secretary shall be responsible for taking, recording, and distributing minutes from each leadership meeting to members of SSIG within 10 days. He/she shall compile and distribute agendas for future meetings. He/she shall act as the auditor of the financial transactions of the AAOMPT–SSIG and shall review these records at least on an annual basis.
Member at Large: The Member at Large shall be responsible for representing student members of the AAOMPT within the Leadership Committee. He/she shall bring ideas from the member base to the Leadership Committee table for discussion. He/she shall serve as liaison between the Leadership Committee and the members of the SSIG and shall coordinate regular communications/ updates with the SSIG.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the election process please contact:
Kelli Wong, SPT, AAOMPT-sSIG President
University of Kansas Medical Center DPT class of 2009
kwong2@kumc.edu
913-907-9887

Less is more with back pain

2008-05-27T18:53:00.001-07:00

WHEN IT COMES TO BACK PAIN “LESS IS MORE”

More surgery, more drugs, and more injections are not what the doctor ordered.

Tallahassee, Florida, May 20, 2008 – When it comes to chronic back pain management patients should know that “less is more.” The American Pain Society at their annual meeting unveiled a current review on invasive procedures for the treatment of chronic low back. The scientific review concluded that most invasive interventions, including spinal joint injections, radiofrequency denervation, intradiscal electrothermal therapy demonstrated no evidence of effectiveness. Furthermore, surgical procedures for chronic low back pain demonstrated only small improvement in pain and disability but were accompanied by considerable risk.

"The expert panel reaffirms its previous recommendation that all low-back pain patients stay active and talk honestly with their physicians about self care and other interventions. "In general, non-invasive therapies supported by evidence showing benefits should be tried before considering interventional therapies or surgery," said Chou."

“The American Pain Society panel has acknowledged the central role of an active physical therapy program in managing low back pain patients,” noted Timothy W. Flynn PT, PhD, President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. “The key in chronic low back pain is avoiding too much medicine. There is no magic bullet but a combination of hands on care and an active exercise approach is the best solution.”

Grade V Baby - UPS Class of 2009

2008-05-14T17:48:00.001-07:00

Clinical Prediction Rule Videos

2008-05-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

Texas States PT students put the Ottawa Knee Rule and the CPR for stabilization to good use in CSI Miami and the Bachelor.

CSI Miami (Ottawa Knee Rule)

The Bachleor (CPR Stabilization)

PT Whore of the Month Club #4

2008-05-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

PT Whore of the Month Club #4

Manipulation Task Force Update

2008-05-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

First off, thank you to everyone who voted on the PTWA Student Blog. Overall 116 people voted!!! 31% of the students stated that the current state of manipulation would effect their decision to stay in WA upon graduation. This is a big number considering the focus of the Spring PTWA conference was on the shortage of physical therapists in WA state.

This information was presented to all members at the conference during a panel discussion. I got several remarks from people who were very amazed at these statistics and had never thought about this issue affecting the shortage. So thank you to everyone for helping to increase awareness and support for manipulation in WA state.

Secondly, PTWA held a fundraiser dinner for two of our legislators, Dawn Morrell and Eileen Cody last friday, both whom have been large supporters of PT issues/legislation. Jeremy Angaran, co-lead of the manipulation task force got to chat with Dawn about the issue of manipulation. Jeremy increased her awareness that manipulation is a skill that PTs are trained in. He also presented to her that this issue is very important to our newly graduating students and that if we don't remove the ambiguity from our current laws, many students will leave our state. So thank you again to all who voted and to Jeremy for spreading the student voice. As a united student front we will be heard and we will affect change! Lets keep it up.

Viva la Revolution!

Brett Neilson

PTWA Student Liaison

2008 NAIOMPT Conference, Portland, OR

2008-04-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the UPS SOMPTA members who joined us at this years NAIOMPT Conference in Portland. Let's continue the growth of, and evidence for, manual therapy! We hope to see EVERYONE at the AAOMPT National Conference in Seattle in the fall. Also thanks to Dr. Flynn, Dr. Cleland, and collegues for their enormous contribution to the physical therapy profession!

Chiropractors vs. Manual Physical Therapists

2008-04-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

How many times have you been asked what's the difference between a physical therapist and chiropractor? Sadly, like the general public, I think many PT's aren't clear on exactly who chiropractors are. Below is a link to a video to help us answer these questions. I hope it also instills in you reasons why WE are the future of manual & manipulative therapy, not them.

http://ph-ms.ouhsc.edu/ah/rehab/kinsinger.wmv

Viva La Revolution!

-- BJ Stockton, SPT

AAOMPT Update

2008-03-13T16:37:00.001-07:00

Dear AAOMPT Member:

2007 was an exciting year for the Academy. We are pushing 2000 members...a long ways from our early "out of a garage" operations in Biloxi, MS (Mike Rogers, you remember those days well!). Fueled by a rich heritage of passionate Founding Fellows with a big vision, the AAOMPT has blossomed into a major player on the professional advocacy scene. The Academy is involved in many national and international activities which often go unnoticed. For example, I would call your attention to the language consensus document that was recently published in JOSPT and JMMT. Additionally, in December of 2007 the AAOMPT published the Manual Therapy Description of Advanced Specialist Practice (DASP), which is one of the core/foundational documents for development of a Manual Therapy Fellowship as well as for attaining credentialing recognition by the APTA. In addition, the Academy has been working on many levels with the APTA and IFOMT to rapidly facilitate research, practice, and marketing of our unique skill set. These are just a couple of the many examples of what the AAOMPT has been doing to advance the interests of our members.

Inevitable to growth and the passage of time is an increase in operational costs. The AAOMPT is no exception. Combined with AAOMPT's increasing advocacy and support on many fronts to advance the interests of OMPT, the ability for AAOMPT to best serve its members will be hampered without an adjustment in membership dues. AAOMPT dues have maintained a steady $95 for members and $125 for fellow members for the past 5 years. Just to give our members an advance notice, we will be planning to increase dues to by $30 to $125 for members and $155 for fellow members beginning in 2009. We think this is a very reasonable increase in light of the many benefits that being a member of AAOMPT affords you. It is also important to remember that $45 of this dues goes to the JMMT and is not part of our ongoing operational expenditures, thus currently the cost of membership is only $50 for members and $80 for fellow members. The increase in cost of membership that goes directly to the AAOMPT's operational expenditures will be $80 for members and $110 for fellow members.

Annual Conference has always been one of the year's highlights for our members, however we're about to take it up a notch. One of the biggest initiatives in 2008 is a new "look and feel" to our 2008 Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington on October 30 through November 2, 2008. The Academy has partnered with Let's Meet (www.letsmeet.net) to help take our conference and exhibit to the next level of growth. This year's conference will be one of the most action-packed in history in light of the practice act issues in Washington State and the opportunity to come alongside the Washington State Chapter to advocate for change. The meeting will include David Butler and Dr. Steven George, internationally recognized clinician-researchers in manual physical therapy, along with Dr. Richard Deyo who will be

highlighting the alarming rates of spine surgery in this country. Additionally, a host of grass roots advocacy initiatives will be occurring that will energize the Washington state PT to "take back the streets" when it comes to spinal manipulation. We have a goal to attract 750 attendees in 2008. Help make it happen by planning to attend now. If you've never attended a previous AAOMPT Conference, talk to someone who has. You will find out hands down why it's the best physical therapist meeting in the country year after year. If you're a regular, bring someone with you! Don't miss out on the opportunity to showcase the Academy to someone new. And mark your calendars now because we will be advocating directly with the new U.S. Congress and Administration as AAOMPT goes to Washington, DC from October 14-18, 2009!

Although our membership has always been an active one, it is time for our breakout year and we are asking each of you to aggressively promote the Academy amongst all you know who have an interest in OMPT. In keeping with this goal, the AAOMPT will be running a "Let the Secret Out!" campaign in which we'd like to ask every current member to recruit at least 1 new member during 2008. Recruit 2 or more new members, and you will make up for any slackers in our midst! In all seriousness, there is no reason why we shouldn't have 5K members by the end of 2008! This represents exponential growth which will be immediately felt by our ability to advocate and promote the interests of our members.

Your Executive Committee is excited to serve you, and we can't say thanks enough for the hundreds of hours that our members put in on behalf of the best professional organization in PT. AAOMPT's ability to advance the interests of its membership is only limited to the size of our vision. Your Executive has a big one!

Timothy W. Flynn, PT, PhD
Robert H. Rowe, PT, DMT, MHS
Jake S. Magel, PT, DSc
John D. Childs, PT, PhD, MBA
Haideh V. Plock, PT, ATC

Revolution Update

2008-03-12T09:20:00.001-07:00

Greetings,

I had a very interesting meeting yesterday concerning the efforts of manipulation in Wa state.
Too much to post but I would like some time at the next UPS SOMPTA meeting to discuss this. We can come up w some strategies in preparation of upcoming state and national events. We need the energy and intellect of you students. You are the future and have an excellent opportunity to directly effect change for your professional life ahead.
Viva la revolution!
Bob

NAIOMPT Symposium Agenda

2008-02-29T07:13:00.000-08:00

2008 NAIOMT Annual

Conference & Symposium Agenda

Registration - 7:30am to 8:00am (please arrive promptly at 7:30am)

SYMPOSIUM (.8 CEU’S)
SPINAL MANIPULATION:
THRUSTING PHYSICAL THERAPY FORWARD

General Session - AM:

Peter Huijbregts - bio
“Manual Physical Therapy: The First 200 Years”

Tim Flynn - bio
“Cervical Spine Manipulation: Responsible Use in PT Practice”

Laurie McLaughlin - bio
“The Role of Focused Manipulation in Management of Back Pain”

Josh Cleland - bio
“Regional Interdependence and Thrust Manipulation”

Erl Pettman - bio
“Trigeminal Symptoms of Cervical Origin”

Panel Discussion

Lunch - Provided

Breakout Sessions – PM (Select 3):

Tim Flynn
“Spinal Manipulation and Regional Interdependence –
Where Does Diagnosis End and Treatment Begin?”

Peter Huijbregts
“Dizziness, Headache, Nausea and Other Worrisome Symptoms and Signs:
The Spectre of Cervical Artery Dysfunction”

Laurie McLaughlin
“The Role Focused Manipulation in Management of Back Pain:
Clinical Reasoning and Case Study Presentations”

Josh Cleland
“Mechanisms of Manipulation”

Erl Pettman
“What is a Typical Posterolateral Disc Protrusion? A Review of Current Concepts”

GET MORE INFO AT: NAIOMT.COM

Student SIG Liaison

2008-02-28T08:56:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Gang,

Just want to let you know that yesterday I was appointed by Tim Flynn (AAOMPT Pres) as the Student SIG Liaison to the AAOMPT Executive Counsel. Long title that basically means I will be representing all national student SIG concerns to the AAOMPT executives. One of my jobs is to organize a student breakout session at the upcoming AAOMPT meeting in Seattle. Last year’s breakout was a 3 hour session on “Subcranial and cervical manual therapy techniques”. We were thinking this year’s will cover lumbar spine, I was suggesting LP interdependence and treatment of the LP spine and hips- or something on that order. So, if you have suggestions, let me know. I may also be grabbing some of you for presenters and lab assistants. Let me know of your interest in topics, presenting and lab assistants.

Viva la revolution!

Bob

LBP Press Release

2008-02-14T09:39:00.000-08:00

Hopefully you have all received the recent email regarding the press release indicating low cost solutions to low back pain provided by physical therapists. This morning on the "Today" show there was a segment regarding low back pain, its prevalence, and increasing cost. I was disappointed that not once during the segment did they mention Physical Therapy as an option. I think this is may be a reflection of how we are viewed in the treatment of low back pain. It was made to look like LBP was a result of obesity and the only two options were surgery, or diet. While I have no doubt that obesity is a contributer to LBP, it is not the only culprit. Yes, diet and exercise are important factors to look at, but as therapists we must let it be known that we are a significant resource in helping resolve this epidemic.

What's more, I don't think I need to express the importance of the link of this press report and our goal in passing the manipulation bill.

Lets make a difference!

BJ Stockton

See the article here: http://www.aaompt.org/associations/5938/files/AAOMPT-Press-Release_2.14.08_Final.pdf

Authors

2008-02-14T09:04:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

I have sent out invitations for SOMPTA members to contribute to this blog. If you have not received an invite it is either because you have not signed up for an AAOMPT membership, or I accidentally did not invite you. If you did not receive an invitation and are an AAOMPT member, please email me @ bradleystockton@gmail.com and I will add you.

BJ

Rally Day Recap

2008-01-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who was able to make it to Rally Day yesterday. For those of you who couldn't attend, we met with legislators in each of our voting districts to gain the support of House Bill 2907 which gives the PT board (and other medical boards) more authority and control of our own budget, staffing, and disciplinary action. We also planted seeds for our manipulation bill which will hopefully be introduced next year. It was a great networking opportunity and very informative. I expect all of you to attend next year!

Enjoy the rest of your break!

BJ

Podcast Debate

2008-01-12T16:33:00.000-08:00

I wanted to mention that there is a podcast of a debate between Tim Flynn (the president of AAOMPT) and Chris Maher (the gentleman that wrote the article about diclofenac and spinal manipulation that was published in the Lancer). This is the article that we discussed at the last SOMPTA meeting. The podcast of this debate about the validity of each article and of spinal manipulation in general can be found at www.ptjournal.org/misc/podcasts.dtl. If you go to this webpage, it should automaticaly download the podcast. It is about 20 min or so, but it is extremely interesting to hear the two sides debate on this topic.

There is also a blog that were created by Tim Flynn in response to the debate that can be found on the Evidence In Motion website www.evidenceinmotion.com. You do not have to be a member to see the responses. Just click on the "blog" tab at the top of the page and scroll down to Jan. 9 "To Manip or Not to Manip." There you will find responses both by John Childs and Chris Maher.

This is a very controversial topic, as we are all aware, and it would benefit all of us to hear two sides of the story. It is to our benefit as future physical and manual therapy practitioners to hear such distinguished individuals discuss the topic of manipulation. I urge all of you to take a few minutes to listen to this engaging debate.

See you on January 28th and best of luck in your first week back!

Karin

Meeting correction

2008-01-10T08:05:00.000-08:00

Our SOMPTA meetings have been moved to Mondays from noon-1pm, every other week, beginning on Jan 28th, 2008.

BJ

Rally Day

2008-01-03T16:01:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone,

If you plan on attending rally day (which I strongly encourage), you must contact Jackie Berry to give her your voting district so she knows which legislator to pair you up with. Email her at legislative@ptwa.org.

BJ Stockton

2007-12-20T18:17:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

Please consider voting for this bill, even if you do not anticipate working in one of these areas. It is a wonderful gift to those who do choose to work in underpriviledged or low access areas. It is also very easy to vote. Just log onto the APTA website and click on the advocacy link. There you will find a letter already made out, and you can just electronically sign your name.

So please think about voting to support those it can help.

In the meantime, enjoy the break and best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year!

Karin Townson, SPT, CSCS
Vice President, UPS SOMPTA

Support Student Loan Repayment Initiatives!

2007-12-19T07:29:00.000-08:00

Support Student Loan Repayment for Physical Therapists (HR 1134/S. 2485)

Urge Your U.S. Senator and Representative to Co-Sponsor the Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act (HR 1134/S. 2485)

On December 14, 2007, U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), and Tim Johnson (D-SD) introduced legislation to enable physical therapists to participate in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program, the Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act (S. 2485) Earlier this year U.S. Representatives Marion Berry (D-AR) and Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) introduced the companion bill, HR 1134.

APTA needs you to assist in building support for making physical therapists who choose to practice in underserved areas eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps Student Loan Repayment Program. Call both your Senators and your House member to urge them to support this legislation today!

What Can You Do?

Contact your U.S. Senators and Representative and request that he or she cosponsor HR 1134/S. 2485

Call your member of Congress today (202/224-3121)! When connected to the office, ask to speak with the health care legislative assistant.
Send an email or letter through APTA’s Legislative Action Center or access more information on the issue at the NHSC Legislation Resources Center (www.apta.org/advocacy).

SUMMARY OF THE LEGISLATION (HR 1134/S. 2485)

The bill adds physical therapy to the definition of the National Health Service Corps’ primary health services by amending Section 331(a)(3)(D) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254d(a)(3)(D).
The bill adds physical therapists to the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to the list of eligible providers by amending Section 338B of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254l–1)
The bill adds the following to the Loan Repayment Program’s eligibility requirements by amending Section 338B of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254l–1).

receipt of a doctoral or master’s degree in physical therapy;
enrollment in a physical therapy graduate training program;
and enrollment as a full-time student in a course of a study or program leading to a degree in physical therapy

TALKING POINTS

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) strongly supports The Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act (HR 1134/S.2485) to enable physical therapists to participate in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program. This initiative will encourage physical therapists to practice in rural and urban underserved communities by helping to address the rising student loan debt load of physical therapists that might otherwise not be able to afford to practice in those areas.
As with the health professionals serving within the Corps today, physical therapists are committed to improving the health of the Nation’s underserved communities. HR 1134/S. 2485 will ensure that physical therapists are part of the National Health Service Corps’ comprehensive team-based approach to health care services delivery.
Demand for the services of physical therapists continues to grow across the country. Including physical therapists in the NHSC Loan Repayment Program will help to ensure that underserved communities have adequate access to the physical therapist services they need.
As of 2005, the average total costs of tuition and fees for a physical therapy student attending an in-state public, out-of-state public, or private institution were $26,000, $50,000, and $64,000, per year respectively. Rural and urban underserved communities often have difficulty recruiting needed health professionals such as physical therapists, due in part to the significant student loan debt load many health care professionals carry when leaving school.

The maximum loan repayment through the NHSC Loan Repayment Program during the required initial two-year contract period is currently $25,000 each year. These payments can help address the student loan debt load of physical therapists and may enable the physical therapist to decide to practice long-term in these communities once NHSC service is complete.

DONT FORGET RALLY DAY! JANUARY 17th, 2008!

BJ Stockton, SPT
UPS SOMPTA President

An Extension-Oriented Treatment Approach to Low Back Pain

2007-12-12T21:20:00.000-08:00

Concerning the article in the current (December) PT Journal, just thought that you all might like to know that you can download PDF copies of the handouts that they gave to the patients/subjects outlining the treatment progression for both the extension-oriented group and the strengthening group. Go to www.ptjournal.org and click on the current issue. Then scroll down to the article title and they are listed as Appendix 1 and 2. You have to sign in with your APTA info.

Remember that the extension intervention also included PA mobs to further facilitate extension, which I don't think is in the handout.

Also, even though the extension intervention worked better for these patients, make sure to download the strengthening group progression, because that's the "stabilization" progression that Hicks used in the CPR for patients who respond to stabilization exercises, so it is useful for a different patient population.

Josiah

1st years and literature

2007-12-12T11:54:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

I just wanted to send out a quick comment to the 1st years about our meetings. I want you all to feel comfortable asking questions about topics with which you may not be familiar. This is a group for all of us to become more informed and proficient in manual therapy. So please stop us if you clear clarification on a topic as we all understand what it is like to be a 1st year. Those of you who have joined should be highly commended for your proactivity, and should know that you will be so far ahead of the game by the time you graduate (and even by next year).

Also as a general note to everyone, if you happen to find quality literature concerning manual therapy please hang on to it or get the reference information. I know that most of us have happened across literature on manual therapy even when we were searching for something else. In addition, I know that some people are able to access journals that others are not. So if you could hold on to that information, I think it would be helpful for all of us to have the chance to read and discuss it during our meetings.

Thanks again to all that attended the meeting and best of luck on finals!

Karin

Rally Day 2008

2007-12-12T10:39:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder for Rally Day in Olympia on Jan 17th, 2008. There we be shuttles available from Seattle if you need. Just email legislative@ptwa.org by the end of December if you are interested. Plan to spend the whole day in Olympia meeting and talking with the legistators. Come join the PT community in supporting our practice and the use of manual therapy. For further questions, visit www.ptwa.org/rallyday.htm

Hope to see you there.

BJ

Today's meeting

2007-12-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks for a great meeting today everyone...there were some great ideas as always, and lots of interest in Rally Day. Please let us know if there are any topics in particular you would like to touch on for future meetings. A few topics already mentioned:

-Hand Therapy
-Orthotics
-Taping
-Soft Tissue Mob Techniques
-SI mobs/treatment/exam

I spoke with Brent George today about possible coming to speak and he would be happy to do so if everyone is interested. we can probably have him focus on a particular component of the ankle/foot, namely orthotics or manual therapy techniques. We can discuss this further later.

Karin, Brett, and I have decided to write a letter to the Lancet Journal regarding the manipulation study...apparently Bob has already done so.

I'll soon be letting you know about possible meeting dates/times for next semester...until then don't study too hard and enjoy break.

BJ