I was wondering what PMR/orthopods think of us PT's in terms of the medical field? Reason I'm asking is I got a treatment protocol from a PMR for a pt today with a HNP that involved ultrasounding the SIJ, surrounding musculature, massage, heat + cold, TENS, and avoiding ANY LE strengthening for at least 3 weeks, and teaching pelvic tilts.
HPI of pt: 40's active, (L) HNP with min radicular sxs to (L) anterior groin s/p poor lifting mechanics. (-) red flags for cauda equina, spondy, etc. 4/10 pain during eval, worse 7-8/10 in the past 2 weeks. Pt states pain was increased last Monday insidiously. Basically long story short, I bypassed the "protocol" and performed my own PT evaluation and treatment and managed to get him to 1-2/10 pain + pt education, HEP, activity modifications, etc in about an 30-40 mins.
Why do PMRs/MD's think all we do is ultrasound/massage people? (not a rant just wondering what they learn about us in terms of when learning other disciplines)
(I understand that our organization APTA does a pretty poor job of explaining to the public what we even do, but I was wondering what other MD's opinion are)
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