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Research Reports: Linda Resnik, Dawei Liu, Vince Mor, and Dennis L Hart Predictors of Physical Therapy Clinic Performance in the Treatment of Patients With Low Back Pain Syndromes PHYS THER 2008; 88: 989-1004 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

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Article actually proves many PTs do not train PTAs as needed

Bret Cummings   (18 November 2008)

Article actually proves many PTs do not train PTAs as needed 18 November 2008
Bret Cummings, Physical Therapist Assistant Send rapid response to journal: Re: Article actually proves many PTs do not train PTAs as needed go-climb-a-rock{at}hotmail.com Bret Cummings	Interesting article. I read many things in it showing differences in outcomes clinics receive with using and not using PTAs. I am a PTA, and what I see in this article is the proof that physical therapists are not training their PTAs effectively, and the patients and the PTAs deserve more than this. Not once was it mentioned on how the PTA was trained or had continuing education to properly care for these patients. So, what was the purpose of this article? I have worked in a few different outpatient orthopedic clinics that track the success of patient care. It is very positive, and patient care is outstanding. The physical therapists are trained very well and are provided with the continuing education that is needed to care for LBP patients. This article upset me somewhat in this manner. Next time, please provide information about the education of the PT and the PTA [so we can] see why the numbers are the way they are. I love being a PTA and would love to see more from this study if possible. If the information I was speaking about is available, I would love to see it.