CASE #2         A 55 year-old, right handed, female caught her left hand in a machine at work 3 months ago. She has had two operations to repair the nerve and muscle damage to her hand.  All incisions are healed.  She now presents with decreased ROM and weakness in her hand and wrist.  She has minimally impaired sensation in the thumb area, but normal sensation elsewhere.  Past medical history is unremarkable.   Which modality do you think would be the best for this person?

What is the typical order of sensations a person will feel during an ice massage?

Which of the following statements is CORRECT when using an intermittent pneumatic compression pump?

Which of the following conditions would increase the impedance or resistance to electric current?

What is the purpose of separating or split traction table?

Erythema on the skin would MOST likely be due to 

A physical therapist assistant removes a hot pack from the lower extremity and sees a dark red appearance of the skin and mottling.  What is the MOST appropriate action for the assistant to take?  

If electrical stimulation is applied to decrease pain by stimulating nerve fibers that can “close or block the gate”,  which of the following frequency ranges would be BEST to use?

There are two case studies in the essay portion of the exam with multiple questions for each case study.  The case study will be repeated in each question.  You may NOT choose the same modality for each case study.   It is advised to read through both case studies and decide which modality you will you use before answering all of the questions.

CASE #1         A 33-year-old, male, insurance agent sprained his lower back while playing tennis 3 days ago.  He has complaints  of low back pain and stiffness.  He has spasms in the bilateral lumbar area and decreased trunk flexion range of motion.  He missed one day of work and is now working full-time but with complaints of increased pain at the end of the day.   His past medical history is unremarkable.   What are two other, appropriate modalities for this person?