How is physical therapy defined in Nebraska?

Examining, evaluating, and testing individuals with mechanical, physiological, and developmental impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities or other conditions related to health and movement and, through analysis of the evaluative process, developing a plan of therapeutic intervention and prognosis while assessing the ongoing effects of the intervention.

What is included in the practice of physical therapy?

Alleviating impairment, functional limitation, or disabilities by designing, implementing, or modifying therapeutic interventions which may include any of the following:

• Therapeutic exercise;
• Functional training in home, community, or work integration or reintegration related to physical movement and mobility;
• Therapeutic massage;
• Mobilization or manual therapy;
• Recommendation, application, and fabrication of assistive, adaptive, protective, and supportive devices and equipment;
• Airway clearance techniques;
• Integumentary protection techniques;
• Nonsurgical debridement and wound care;
• Physical agents or modalities;
• Mechanical and electrotherapeutic modalities; and
• Patient-related instruction.

Purchasing, storing, and administering topical and aerosol medication in compliance with applicable rules and regulations of the Board of Pharmacy regarding the storage of such medication.

Reducing the risk of injury, impairment, functional limitation, or disability, including the promotion and maintenance of fitness, health, and wellness.

Engaging in administration, consultation, education, and research.

What is specifically excluded from the practice?

Making a medical diagnosis.

Are there any special trainings or requirements?

Nebraska PT Dry Needling

Sharp Wound Debridement

It is the opinion of the Board of Physical Therapy that a Nebraska licensed physical therapist may perform sharp wound debridement as long as he/she can competently perform such procedure. This does not include physical therapist assistants.

"Sharp debridement is defined as a minor procedure, performed on an outpatient basis and requiring no anesthesia. Scalpel, scissors, and forceps are used, and only clearly identified devitalized tissue is taken. There is no bleeding associated with this procedure, and it may be performed by an adequately trained physical therapist.

Guidelines for sharp debridement include the use of a scalpel to cross-hatch eschar in preparation for enzyme application and to separate the edges of eschar from a necrotic wound bed. The scalpel may also be used to trim away the excess callus commonly found around the edges of a diabetic-neurotrophic foot ulcer. This callused tissue or hyperkeratotic rim is debrided to allow for more efficient repair. Scissors may be used to cut dangling necrotic tissue often found in pressure ulcers and other large wounds.

This procedure must be used only on clearly identified devitalized tissue, which is usually black, brown, gray, or yellow and is easily removed from the wound. If there is any doubt, the clinician should not proceed without medical guidance. Furthermore, adhering to policies, following procedures, and possessing proper training are essential for safely and properly performing this function."

Reference

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-2914

Nebraska Board of Physical Therapy Opinion on Sharp Wound Debridement