Physical Therapy Protocol Guide for Orthopedic Rehabilitation

Initial Assessment

Patient Evaluation

• Comprehensive medical history review
• Pain assessment (VAS scale)
• Range of motion measurements
• Muscle strength testing (MMT)
• Functional mobility assessment
• Gait analysis when applicable

Protocol Phases

Phase 1: Acute Phase

Timeline: 0-2 weeks post-injury/surgery

Goals:

• Pain management
• Protection of healing tissue
• Prevention of complications
• Maintenance of joint mobility

Interventions:

1. PRICE protocol implementation
   • Protection
   • Rest
   • Ice therapy
   • Compression
   • Elevation
2. Gentle PROM exercises
3. Isometric exercises as tolerated

Phase 2: Sub-Acute Phase

Timeline: 2-6 weeks

Goals:

• Progressive ROM restoration
• Muscle re-education
• Pain control
• Improved functional capacity

Interventions:

1. Progressive resistive exercises
2. Proprioception training
3. Functional training initiation
4. Manual therapy techniques

Phase 3: Remodeling Phase

Timeline: 6-12 weeks

Goals:

• Full ROM restoration
• Muscle strength optimization
• Return to functional activities

Interventions:

1. Advanced strengthening exercises
2. Sport-specific training
3. Work-specific conditioning
4. Balance and coordination drills

Outcome Measures

Required Assessments

• ROM measurements
• Strength testing
• Functional outcome scores
• Patient-reported outcome measures

Documentation Requirements

Each Session Documentation

1. Treatment interventions
2. Patient response
3. Progress toward goals
4. Plan modifications if needed

Discharge Criteria

• Achievement of treatment goals
• Plateau in progress
• Independent HEP performance
• Return to functional activities