Back to Physical Therapy Basics
When I was a student, it was sometimes fairly obvious by reading our professors' presentation styles to determine if the material would be on a given exam. Some professors would fast-forward through a few paragraphs of information, nearly signaling to students that "this information is not as pertinent to your career." On the other hand, some material would sit in the middle of the room for hours on end and I would think to myself, "I better know this stuff inside and out before the exam comes." There are just some things that every physical therapist should know.
Now, as I have been practicing PT for more than a year, I've come to learn that some areas of "basic information" have been forgotten. It's almost embarrassing, because I think to myself, "I should know this!"
So, I will ask - do you remember all your PT basics?
1. Can you list each cranial nerve and how to test them?
2. Do you know the four muscles of the rotator cuff, or as my anatomy professor would ask... Do you know the 17 muscles that attach to the scapula?
3. Can you tell me the basic pediatric reflexes and when they are present?
4. What are the differences between right and left heart failure?
5. Can you describe any deviations from a normal gait pattern?
6. Show me how to perform a ligament laxity test?
What about you? Have you noticed that previously simple ideas are harder to recall as you have specialized during the course of your career? Are there things you wish you still remembered? How do you keep your skills up-to-date, even if you don't use them?