Start your physical therapy career path on the right foot with Introduction to Physical Therapy, 7th Edition. This comprehensive text offers an insightful and thorough overview of both the profession and the practice of physical therapy, including the latest topics and trends in the industry. The first section walks through the key aspects of a career in physical therapy - including the roles of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant, practice settings, the APTA, laws, policies, and regulations. The second section covers the practice of physical therapy - detailing the functions, disorders, and therapies of the major organ systems. The seventh edition features updated chapters on the physical therapist assistant and the American Physical Therapy Association; as well as updated content, references, and coverage of the latest trends in health care. Paired with an abundance of learning aides like learning objectives, chapter outlines, review questions, and more; this highly visual text offers the complete foundation you need to successfully grow your professional knowledge and skills. NEW! Revised content and up-to-date references throughout the text equip you with the most current coverage of relevant topics for today’s PT and PTA professionals UPDATED! The Physical Therapist Assistant, American Physical Therapy Association, and Effective Communication in the Profession of Physical Therapy in the 21st Century chapters feature the latest information and insights NEW! Enhanced ebook version, included with every new print purchase, features additional review questions and answers, plus digital access to all the text, figures, and references, with the ability to search, customize content, make notes and highlights, and have content read aloud The latest information on current trends in health care and the profession of physical therapy keeps you current on the latest issues Numerous learning aides include chapter outlines, key terms, learning objectives, boxes, tables, summaries, suggested readings, and review questions An overview of the profession combined with clinical information gives you a solid foundation in the practice of physical therapy

Table of Contents:
PART I Profession 1. The Profession of Physical Therapy: Definition and Development 2. Roles and Characteristics of Physical Therapists 3. The Physical Therapist Assistant 4. American Physical Therapy Association 5. Laws, Regulations, and Policies 6. Financing Health Care and Reimbursement in Physical Therapist Practice 7. Effective Communication for Physical Therapists in the 21st Century PART II Practice 8. Prevention, Health Promotion, and Wellness in Physical Therapist Practice 9. Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions 10. Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular Conditions 11. Physical Therapy in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Conditions 12. Physical Therapy for Integumentary Conditions 13. Physical Therapy for Pediatric Conditions 14. Physical Therapy for the Older Adult