Week 11:
Twin Cities Orthopedics

August 12, 2013

During my final week at Twin Cities Orthopedics I was able to pull together all the odds and ends pieces of information for my project on knee replacements as well as test my knowledge. Over the past 3 months I was able to bond with several patients and this week they became my testing material. The physical therapists quizzed me on my knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and physical therapy massage techniques. This week I was able to take a few measurements of swelling with a tape measure and joint flexion and extension with a goniometer. Day after day I had seen the physical therapists use a goniometer and take measurements of knee flexion and extension, so I knew “how” to use the device, but I was able to really use the skill and take a few measurements.

Additionally this week, I was able to review the video analysis of several patients from the weeks prior. Using the Dartfish technology, angles and lines were drawn on the patients legs to analyze biomechanics and technique. My supervisor informed me what we were looking for, what is expected and what the outcome indicates. Next we discussed where the patient had muscle weaknesses or imbalances and what type of exercises would be prescribed to help avoid injury.

After speaking with a physical therapist, who is also a fellow runner, I learned a little about running shoes and why people of a certain foot type may benefit from a specific shoe type. For example, a patient with achilles tendon soreness would benefit from a shoe with a high heel raise rather than low drop because it reduces the stain and stretch on the tendon. This physical therapist works part-time at a running store and offers injury prevention advise related to footwear. Of course, every patient and runner is different, however I was able to learn some of the basics. This was a very neat learning experience for me to connect my academic interest of physical therapy with my personal hobby of running.

By the end of this week I felt I had learned more than any other week. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Twin Cities Orthopedics and greatly benefited from the experience.