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Clinical Practice Guidelines

The American Physical Therapy Association supports evidence-based practice to reduce unwarranted variation in care and improve the value of physical therapist services.

APTA provides its members with relevant clinical practice guidelines, which are based on a systematic review of the evidence. APTA, APTA academies and sections, and other health care associations, organizations, and societies publish the CPGs. APTA does not endorse any of these guidelines unless specifically noted.

The guidelines assist in clinical decision-making, not to take the place of clinician judgment. A team of experts conducts a CPG+ analysis on some of the CPGs — a translation aid for applying the guidelines to practice, including Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II.

APTA supports the development of CPGs.

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North American Spine Society: Diagnosis and Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis, Revised

January 1, 2014 | CPG

Patient Age: 80 and over (80+), Aged (65+), Young Adult (19-24), Middle Aged (45-64), Adult (25-44)

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Appropriate Use Criteria for Non-Arthroplasty Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

December 6, 2013 | CPG

Patient Age: Middle Aged (45-64), Aged (65+), 80 and over (80+)
Condition & Symptoms: Knee Conditions, Osteoarthritis

Screening for Primary Hypertension in Children and Adolescents: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

November 5, 2013 | CPG

Patient Age: Adolescent (13-18), Child (6-12), Young Adult (19-24)
Condition & Symptoms: Hypertension

American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Clinical Practice Guideline: Bell's Palsy

November 1, 2013 | CPG

Patient Age: Preschool Child (2-5), Adolescent (13-18), Adult (25-44), Child (6-12), Aged (65+), Young Adult (19-24), Middle Aged (45-64), 80 and over (80+)

American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) Practice Guidelines: Elbow Disorders

November 1, 2013 | CPG

Patient Age: 80 and over (80+), Adult (25-44), Aged (65+), Middle Aged (45-64)
Condition & Symptoms: Elbow Conditions

Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians

October 1, 2013 | CPG

Patient Age: Adult (25-44), Aged (65+), 80 and over (80+), Middle Aged (45-64)
Condition & Symptoms: Sleep Disorders

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Appropriate Use Criteria for Optimizing the Management of Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

September 20, 2013 | CPG

Patient Age: Aged (65+), Middle Aged (45-64), Adult (25-44)
Condition & Symptoms: Shoulder Conditions

National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Conservative Management and Prevention of Ankle Sprains in Athletes

July 1, 2013 | CPG

Patient Age: Young Adult (19-24), Adolescent (13-18), Middle Aged (45-64), Aged (65+), Adult (25-44), Child (6-12)
Condition & Symptoms: Ankle Conditions, Foot Conditions

Falls in Older People: Assessing Risk and Prevention [NICE CG161]

June 12, 2013 | CPG

Patient Age: 80 and over (80+), Aged (65+), Middle Aged (45-64)
Condition & Symptoms: Falls

Evaluation and Management of Concussion in Sports (CPG+)

June 11, 2013 | CPG

Patient Age: Adult (25-44), Adolescent (13-18), Aged (65+), Middle Aged (45-64), Young Adult (19-24)
Condition & Symptoms: Concussion

APTA Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy: Shoulder Pain and Mobility Deficits: Adhesive Capsulitis (CPG+)

May 1, 2013 | CPG

Patient Age: Aged (65+), Middle Aged (45-64)
Condition & Symptoms: Adhesive Capsulitis, Shoulder Conditions

Symptom Management in Patients With Lung Cancer: Diagnosis and Management of Lung Cancer, 3rd Edition

May 1, 2013 | CPG

Patient Age: 80 and over (80+), Adult (25-44), Aged (65+), Middle Aged (45-64)
Condition & Symptoms: Cancer, Lung Conditions