How is physical therapy defined in Oregon?

Practice of physical therapy” means:

• Examining, evaluating and testing for mechanical, physiological and developmental impairments, functional limitations and disabilities or other neuromusculoskeletal conditions in order to determine a physical therapy diagnosis or prognosis or a plan of physical therapy intervention and to assess the ongoing effects of physical therapy intervention.
• Alleviating impairments and functional limitations by designing, implementing, administering and modifying physical therapy interventions.
• Reducing the risk of injury, impairment, functional limitation and disability by physical therapy interventions that may include as a component the promotion and maintenance of health, fitness and quality of life in all age populations.
• Consulting or providing educational services to a patient for the purposes above.

What is included in the practice of physical therapy?

A treatment or procedure and includes but is not limited to:

• Therapeutic exercise;
• Gait and locomotion training;
• Neuromuscular reeducation;
• Manual therapy techniques (including manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction, connective tissue and therapeutic massage, mobilization/manipulation of soft tissue or spinal or peripheral joints, and passive range of motion);
• Functional training related to physical movement and mobility in self-care and home management (including activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL));
• Functional training related to physical movement and mobility in work (job/school/play), community, and leisure integration or reintegration (including IADL, work hardening, and work conditioning);
• Prescription, application, and, as appropriate, fabrication of devices and equipment (assistive, adaptive, orthotic, protective, or supportive);
• Airway clearance techniques;
• Integumentary repair and protective techniques; electrotherapeutic modalities;
• Physical agents and mechanical modalities; and
• Patient related instruction and education.

What is specifically excluded from the practice?

N/A

Are there any special trainings or requirements?

Topical Medications: A PT may purchase, store and administer topical and aerosol medications as part of the practice of physical therapy. A PT shall comply with any rules adopted by the State Board of Pharmacy specifying protocols for storage of medications.

Reference

ORS 688.010

ORS 688.135

OAR 848-040-0190

OAR 848-040-0175