Discrimination Against Foreign Physical Therapists Petition

An alarming case of racial discrimination against Physical Therapist from 4 Asian Countries is being debated in the healthcare scene for the past week.

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) in the United States issued a one-year ban on foreign educated physical therapist for taking the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), an essential part in acquiring a license to practice their profession in the said country. This regulation was a response to the alleged massive sharing of test questions among applicants who are planning to take the exam. Therapists from India, Egypt, Pakistan and the Philippines will not be allowed to take the licensure exam on a regular basis,hence, a different set of test will be provided for them once a year.

We are asking all of you to sign on this petition if you believe that FSBPT should revert its decision about the said issue. You dont need to be a PT in order for you to sign. If you are fighting against any form of racial, cultural or religious discrimination of any form, I am asking you to sign for this cause.

Discrimination Against Foreign Physical Therapists Petition

WHAT DOES PHYSICAL THERAPISTS DO?

• A Physical Therapist will perform an evaluation of your problem or difficulty. This includes taking a history of a problem and then evaluating your problem by performing tests and measures to assess the problem. These tests include muscle strength tests, joint motion tests, sensory and neurological tests, coordination tests, balance tests, observation, palpation, flexibility tests, postural screening, movement analysis, and special tests designed for a particular problem. Also includes past medical history.

• A Physical Therapist will then develop a treatment plan and goals and then administer the appropriate treatment to aid in recovery of a problem or dysfunction.

• Physical Therapy treatments include patient education to teach you how deal with a current problem and how to prevent this problem from recurring in the future.

• Physical Therapy provides “hands on techniques” like massage or joint mobilization skills to restore joint motion or increase soft tissue flexibility.

• Physical Therapy aids in postural reeducation and movement awareness. Therapeutic exercise instructions will help restore strength, movement, balance, or coordination as a guide towards full functional recovery.

• Physical Therapy participates in functional training for work-related issues, and home activities, and recreational or sports interests.

• Physical Therapy teaches basic mobility skills such as learning to move and get out of bed, transferring to a chair, walking with crutches or special devices on stairs or varied terrain.

• Physical Therapy can assist one in meeting special equipment needs such as wheelchairs or other adaptive equipment to improve function and independence.

• Physical Therapy often involves the use of modalities which include properties of heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, ultrasound, and traction. These modalities are used to help decrease pain and increase movement and function.

• Examples of Physical Therapy modalities are: Hotpacks, Coldpacks, Whirlpools, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), Ultrasound, Traction, Electrical Stimulation, Intermittent Compression Pumps, and Myofascial Release. This list is not all inclusive but should give you an idea of some of the modalities that are available.

• A Physical Therapist will monitor your progress and adjust treatments and treatment goals as appropriate.

• A Physical Therapist will consult with other health professionals to facilitate your recovery.

WHAT IS PHYSICAL THERAPY?

• Physical Therapy is the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders such as muscle pains, back and neck injuries or joint injuries; stroke patients or cerebral palsy children; fractures or dislocations; and skin disorders such as wounds, burns or diabetic foot ulcers; etc.


• Physical Therapy is helping people attain their full potential using therapeutic exercises, medical massage, joint mobilization, PNF, stretching, physical therapy modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound, infrared, hot packs, cold packs, paraffin wax, TENS, ES, traction machine, pool therapy, gait training, ADL adjustments, home exercise programs and many more.


• Physical Therapy is the evaluation and treatment of numerous physical conditions of all age groups.


• Physical Therapy aims to restore gross and fine motor function, relieve pain, and prevent further injury.


• Physical therapy is part of an individual’s overall health.


• Physical Therapy is provided in the hospital, for outpatients, in schools, in the home, and in nursing homes.


• Physical Therapy is about teaching people about their body, their disorder, and their health.

The Physical Therapist in Me

My net name is Royal Pen and my initials are ETTG. I started my Physical Therapy career immediately after I graduated from college. I finished my degree at one of the best universities here in the Philippines, Universidad de Sta. Isabel. Some of the hospitals that I was trained for my internship were St. Lukes Medical Center, Philippine Orthopedic Center, San Juan De Dios Hospital, Mother Seton Hospital and many more. After I graduated, I worked as a Physical Therapy Volunteer at one of the biggest hospitals here in our area, Bicol Medical Center Rehabilitation Department for one year. Then I went to Manila and worked as a Medical Sales Representative, also used my physical therapy skills.

Not long enough, after three years I went back to Naga City and studied Methods of Teaching in Ateneo de Naga University and after which gained my professional license as a Teacher.

I worked as a Medical Transcriptionist for three years and operated a Medical Transcription company for one year while teaching Medical Transcription in one of the computer schools in the city. I then gained my training certificate as "Trainor" from TESDA.

In my free time, I usually treat persons with disability such as stroke, low back pain, scoliosis, MPS etc. My usual clients/patients are my relatives and their friends.

Fauquier Health Therapists Support Our Community

Bruce Edwards runs 10K to raise money for Fauquier Free Clinic.

Bruce Edwards and Kristen Pierce, two of our physical therapists, participated in the 2010 Pacemakers 10K Run on Sunday, June 6, 2010. They had a blast braving the muggy weather and the hills around the Airlie Conference Center to raise money for the Fauquier Free Clinic. The Fauquier Free Clinic is a non-profit health and dental care clinic serving low income, uninsured families in Fauquier and Rappahannock Counties.

Running is a sport of passion; however, running injuries can be frustrating and debilitating to the runner. Stretching, proper footwear, and cross-training are important for preventing injuries, but even with the best prevention, injuries can occur. Physical therapists are the experts for treating musculoskeletal problems that may occur with running. An individualized program developed by your physical therapist will allow you to return to running without pain.

At Fauquier Health Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, our therapists treat not only running injuries, but all other types of orthopedic and sports related injures for all ages. If you feel you or someone you know may benefit from this service and would like to hear more, please call us at 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to ask a question.

Specialized Physical Therapists can help with Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence

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According to Moul et al, the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence at 3 months after radical prostatectomy is 17 to 54 % and 5 to 38% at 6 months post surgery. A study by McCallum et al reported that gains in continence will occur up to 2 years, but major gains occur in the first 3 months. Physical therapists who specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy can help men accelerate improvement with continence post prostatectomy by providing individualized treatment plans and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.

The pelvic floor muscles attach to the bottom of the pelvis forming a sling or hammock of muscle which support the internal organs. These muscles contract to help stop the flow of urine and gas and assist with normal sexual function.

Physical therapy can help you learn how to properly contract the pelvic floor muscles in order to increase their strength so they function normally. During your therapy, an individualized progressive exercise program for pelvic floor and core strengthening will be given. Education regarding healthy toilet habits, urinary urge control, and fluid intake will also be provided. Biofeedback training and electrical stimulation may be used to achieve better control of continence.

At Fauquier Health Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, our pelvic physical therapy team has completed extensive training in pelvic physical therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association’s section on Women’s Health. Our therapists utilize a variety of techniques as well as education to ensure each patient’s needs are addressed. All pelvic floor treatments are conducted one-on–one in a private setting.
If you feel you may benefit from this service or would like to hear more, please call us at 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to ask a question.

Helping People Communicate

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May is Better Speech & Hearing Month

Speech-language pathology services seek to optimize individuals' ability to communicate and swallow, thereby improving quality of life. Speech-Language Pathologists work with the full range of human communication and its disorders, improving quality of life by reducing impairments of body functions and structures, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and barriers created by various health conditions and/or environmental and personal factors. We evaluate, diagnose, and treat language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly.

Health conditions and/or environmental and personal factors that may affect communication and swallowing might include: stroke, TIA, traumatic brain injury, developmental delays/disorders, cancer of the head, neck and throat, neurogenic disorders (i.e. Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, Dementia, Cerebral Palsy), voice disorders, stuttering, auditory processing disorders, and Autism Spectrum Spectrum disorders.
Speech-language pathologists often work as part of a team, which may include teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation counselors, and others. We serve individuals, families, and groups from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Services are provided based on applying the best available research evidence, using expert clinical judgments, and considering clients' individual preferences and values.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), founded in 1925, is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 140,000 members and affiliates who are speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the United States and internationally. ASHA is committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. For more information, go to http://www.asha.org/.

At Fauquier Health, our ASHA and state certified Speech-Language Pathologists provide assessment, intervention, and management to a diverse clientele. Fauquier Health offers outpatient speech-language therapy services to adults in the Medical Office Building on the hospital campus:

• 253 Veteran's Drive, Warrenton, Virginia

We also provide services for children, in two locations:

• 493 Blackwell Road, Warrenton, Virginia
  
• 7915 Manassas Drive, Gainesville, Virginia

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about the benefits of speech-language therapy, or would like to make an appointment with one of our speech-language therapists, please call us at: 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to submit an inquiry via email.