Date of Award

1995

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Beverly Johnson

Keywords

Brain Injuries -- rehabilitation

Abstract

Physical therapists play an important role in the rehabilitation and management of the traumatic brain injured (TBI) patient. Physical therapy is accomplished through therapeutic strategies, intervention techniques, and recommendations for placement and discharge. Many times P.T. services are discontinued for various reasons, two of which are loss of reimbursement or the perception that the patient no longer requires P.T. services. Many times, however, services are discontinued due to a lack of awareness of available services.

There is limited research available that follows the TBI patient along the continuum of care towards reintegration into society .. Thus, the purpose of this study is to review the literature of the various interventions along the continuum of care of the TBI patient. It also reviews the literature that focuses on the plastic quality of the brain and the benefits of continuing rehabilitation interventions for the chronic TBI patient.

This study benefits physical therapists by increasing their awareness of the programs available for the TBI patient. It also increases their knowledge of the plastic property of the brain and encourages them to continue rehabilitation of the TBI patient throughout the continuum of care.

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