Physical Therapists & Spinal ManipulationA Guide for Providers & Policy MakersOver the last several years there have been challenges in the various state legislatures against the physical therapy profession via legislation promoted by chiropractors attempting to prohibit qualified physical therapists from performing spinal manipulation - a technique that has been part of the PT scope of practice since its inception. Spinal manipulation is not designated as being under the exclusive domain of any one specific profession or group of practitioners. Physical therapists, chiropractors, medical doctors, and osteopathic physicians are all educated and trained to employ manipulation within the scope of their respective licenses and in a manner that protects the public's health, safety and welfare. It is inappropriate for one profession to attempt to "own" a specific technique or dictate clinical practice through such legislation. This Web page is designed to provide information and facts about physical therapists and spinal manipulation. In addition the information will contained this Web page will explain the difference between spinal manipulation and a chiropractic adjustment as well as the difference between the PT and chiropractic professions. Please take a moment to review the information and resource materials below and learn why efforts to prohibit PTs from performing spinal manipulation would eliminate patient choice, remove competition in the health care system, and be a disservice to the patients we serve. APTA Powerpoint Presentation: Position on Thrust Manipulation Provided by Physical Therapists APTA White Paper: Position on Thrust Manipulation Provided by Physical Therapists (.pdf) APTA Manipulation White Paper Summary (.pdf) Virginia Board of Medicine Study on PTs and Spinal Manipulation - 1999 (.pdf) APTA Manipulation Education Manual (.pdf) Article: No You Don't, Yes We Do, No You Don't......The Challenge From Chiropractors Article: Who's Judging Whom? The Challenge From Chiropractors American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT) [Last updated: 10/26/09 | Contact: advocacy@apta.org] |