Orthopedic physical therapy addresses injuries involving muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and bones.
Common conditions include post-surgical rehab, sports injuries, and arthritis.
Care plans combine manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, neuromuscular re-ed, gait training, and patient education. Documentation must reflect objective findings (ROM, strength) and functional progress. Tools like Prompt help clinics maintain consistent documentation for these high-volume cases.
Why it matters:
Orthopedic conditions account for the majority of outpatient therapy visits. Efficient workflows are essential for profitability.
Pro Tip:
Generic templates slow you down. Clear functional goals make orthopedic documentation more defensible and easier to audit.
FAQ
- Is orthopedic PT only for athletes? No. It serves patients of all ages and activity levels, from post-op seniors to weekend warriors.
- What is the difference between Orthopedic PT and Sports PT? Sports PT is a sub-niche of orthopedics focused specifically on the athletic population and return-to-sport testing, though the CPT codes used are largely the same.
- Do I need a referral for Orthopedic PT? In many states with Direct Access laws, patients can start orthopedic treatment without a physician referral.