The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than 80,000 members throughout the United States, and established the specialist certification program in 1978. The specialist certification program was created to provide formal recognition for physical therapists with advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in a special area of practice, and to assist consumers and the health care community in identifying these physical therapists.
The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) coordinates and oversees the specialist certification process. One such designation, received by North Jersey Physical Therapy Association’s (NJPTA’s) Kathryn Haskins, is the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist certification. It is important to note that as of June 2014, according to ABPTS, only about 10% of PTs in the U.S. are certified as Orthopedic Clinical Specialists.
As an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), PTs strengthen their knowledge in the following body regions:
Cranial/Mandibular
Spine: Cervical
Spine: Thoracic spine/ribs
Spine: Lumbar
Upper Extremity: Shoulder/shoulder girdle
Upper Extremity: Arm/elbow
Upper Extremity: Wrist/hand
Pelvic Girdle/Sacroiliac/Coccyx/Abdomen
Lower Extremity: Hip
Lower Extremity: Thigh/knee
Lower Extremity: Leg/ankle/foot
Additionally, OCSs have increased their orthopedic practice dimensions in the following areas:
Examination
Evaluation
Diagnosis
Prognosis
Intervention
Outcomes
More focus and study is placed on knowledge areas and procedures that orthopedic clinical specialists use in their work, which are as follows:
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Movement Science
Pathophysiology
Orthopedic Medicine/Surgical Intervention
Evidence Based Orthopedic Theory and Practice
Critical Inquiry/Evidence Based Practice
Examination
Procedural Intervention
NJPTA’s Kathryn Haskins has her doctorate in Physical Therapy, is certified in Dry Needling, and now in Orthopedic Clinical Specialty. These unique credentials enable her to provide the upmost in services for those suffering from conditions that may include, but are not limited to sports injuries and spinal disorders, in addition to pre- and post-orthopedic surgeries. By using dry needling, myofascial release, neuromuscular reeducation, manual therapy techniques and laser as well as key exercises, Kathryn and NJPTA are dedicated to bringing patients sustained pain relief and pain-free function.
To schedule an appointment with Kathryn or our other well-qualified PTs, please Contact Us.
