A comprehensive intro to the art,science, and practice of physical therapy

With Dutton’s Introduction to Physical Therapy and Patient Skills, Second Edition, you get complete and well-rounded coverage of the practice of physical therapy (PT). This comprehensive introduction provides the conceptual framework you need to build a solid foundation in PT―including a historical perspective of the profession, an introduction to healthcare policy, and in-depth coverage of evidence-informed practice.

The book describes how movement evolves, how it becomes skilled, and how dysfunction can occur; illustrates the necessary skills you need to successfully practice PT; explains how to development areas of expertise, including how to enhance a patient’s function in such tasks as bed mobility, transfers, and gait training; and much more. The author emphasizes both patient and clinician safety through the use of correct body mechanics, application of assistive and safety devices, and infection control procedures.