OK so I am writing this waaayyy after the actual first semester of my PT school experience. But here is what we learned:
1. Joint Kinematics: this is actually really crucial to understanding how every joint works. So I’m very glad this was emphasized so much, and early on in our education. Once you know this, you can pretty much understand all joint mobs. As well as special tests, mechanism of injury, and treatment plans. Know your joints!
2. More OINAs….basically the whole first semester was OINAs
3. Therex: we learned the basics of therapeutic exercise, with major focus on contraindications and risk factors for various populations. We learned more about therex in upcoming semesters and on our internships.
4. Dimensions: we learned the PT scope of practice, what supervision is required of us as SPTs, and what PTAs or PT techs are allowed to do once we actually become PTs.
5. Goni for all major joints
6. MMT for all major joints
Books we used: Norkin & Levangie, Netters, Kisner & Colby
As in every field of study, what I find is that the basics are just that: basic. But they are the foundation for everything else you learn, and thus they are the most essential. If you understand the basics, you can understand everything else. It provides the map to journeying onto more advanced topics.
If you understand the anatomy of each joint, and the OINAs of every muscle, you can pretty much understand the diagnosis and treatment of every orthopedic condition!
With that said, brb I’m gonna go refresh my OINAs 🙂