Course Name: Physical Therapy and rehabilitation exercises for Common sport injuries
Course Code: HHD-1020
Total Contact Hours: 48.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Physical therapy ranks in Costa Rica and the USA as one of the most desirable careers. Physical Therapists play essential roles in today’s health care environment. They contribute along with all health care providers to maintain, restore, and improve movement, activity and health, enabling individuals of all ages to have optimal functioning and quality of life.
During this course the student will learn history of Physical Therapy, PT core values and principles, mechanical principles applied to human body, an introduction to exercise therapy, massage therapy and physical therapists approach after a stroke.
GENERAL OBJETIVE
Understand the role of the physical therapist within the health care system and have a general idea of biomechanics of human body, exercise therapy techniques and massage therapy.
SPECIFIC OBJETIVE
 Understand the action areas of physical therapy within the health care system
 Learn and comprehend the core values and code of ethics for the Physical Therapist.
 Study the mechanical principles of human movement, gait and pathological gait
 Create an understanding base of exercise therapy, relaxation techniques and strengthening exercises.
 Learn the different therapeutic massage techniques and its uses.
 Understand what is a stroke, its risk factors, complications and physical rehabilitation.
AUDIENCE
This course is structured for International Students attending the Study Abroad program at Universidad Veritas. However, courses are not exclusive to foreigners so a few native student could enroll in this course.
METHODOLOGY
 Lectures: individual and group analysis of lectures.
 Group investigation to promote investigation methods and group discussion.
 Study of cases to teach the student how to face daily life situations and how the PT intervenes in those cases.
 Hands on practice. Exercise Therapy and Massage therapy certainly has a broad theoretical foundation, however hands on practice is the bread and butter of physical therapists.
ATTENDANCE
Students are only allowed 2 absences (justified or not). The student will fail the course if he/she has more than 2 absences. Students will have a 0 on any assignment evaluated in class (presentations, evaluations, field trips, etc.) if he/she is absent in this class, unless an official document is presented no later than one week after the absence. In this case the assignment will be due this day. An unjustified absence to a fieldtrip will immediately mean failing the course. You can only have two total absences in your elective. Three late arrivals to class (15 minutes later) are treated as one absence. If you tend to be late for class, you will lose 25% of your total grade
BEHAVIOR
Professors have the right to expel a student from the classroom should he / she:
1) Be disruptive in the classroom.
2) Behave in a disrespectful way.
3) Be under the influence of alcohol or even smell like alcohol.
4) Be under the influence of any illegal drug.
5) Hygiene problems that may disturb other students.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The use of cell phones, smart phones, or other mobile communication devices is disruptive, and is therefore prohibited during class. Please turn all devices OFF and put them away when class begins. Devices may be used ONLY when the professor assigns a specific activity and allows the use of devices for internet search or recording. Those who fail to comply with the rule must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.
COURSE CONTENTS
Week 1
1. What is Physical Therapy
2. History of Physical Therapy
3. The process of Patient/Client management
4. Examples of Physical Therapy Services
5. International Classification of Function, Disability and Health
6. Professionalism in Physical Therapy: Core Values
7. Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist: Principles
Week 2
1. Biomechanics: Mechanical Principles
2. Gait (Video):
 Stages
 Pathological gait
3. Introduction to Exercise therapy
4. Fundamental Positions
5. Passive Movements
6. Active movements
Week 3
1. Relaxation
2. Joint Mobility
3. Strengthening and Stretching
4. Hands on practice. Location: ZENfit 506
5. Frenkel exercises, PNF and hydrotherapy
Week 4
1. Posture
2. Exercise therapy equipment
3. Massage therapy techniques
4. Hands on practice
Week 5
1. Stroke
2. Final project presentation:
 Risk factors
 Motor function
 Complications and indirect impairments
 Physical Rehabilitation
3. Yoga therapy retreat at Vida Asana Eco Retreat
EVALUATION SYSTEM
Activity
Quantity
Total %
Quiz
2 (10% each)
20%
Homework
3 (5% each)
15%
Oral Presentation
1
15%
Hands on practice
2 (15% each)
30%
Final Project
1
20%

*Course content subject to change