ATCs performing HVLA

[facetguy]

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I know this is a PT forum, not an ATC forum. But I thought I'd ask: Is it routine for ATCs to perform HVLA cervical manipulation? I had a patient today tell me the team trainer "tried" to manipulate his neck "but he couldn't get it to crack". Yikes!!

 

[goyo1010]

I know this is a PT forum, not an ATC forum. But I thought I'd ask: Is it routine for ATCs to perform HVLA cervical manipulation? I had a patient today tell me the team trainer "tried" to manipulate his neck "but he couldn't get it to crack". Yikes!!

I'm not sure if it's routine, but I know ATCs can do HVLA manipulations of the spinal column. Getting it to crack?... lol...

 

[facetguy]

I'm not sure if it's routine, but I know ATCs can do HVLA manipulations of the spinal column. Getting it to crack?... lol...

When you say ATCs can do HVLA, do you mean it's part of their training, their legal scope? How much training in HVLA does the typical ATC get? I've been around awhile and haven't heard too much of this. Doesn't sound like a good idea to me, particularly involving the cervical spine.

 

[jesspt]

When you say ATCs can do HVLA, do you mean it's part of their training, their legal scope? How much training in HVLA does the typical ATC get? I've been around awhile and haven't heard too much of this. Doesn't sound like a good idea to me, particularly involving the cervical spine.

I'm not aware that they recieve any training in HVLA in school, and I'm not sure they get a lot of trining in non-thrust techniques regarding the spine. At least, that is what the ATCs that I have come into contact with have told me. But,athletic trainer education isn't something I know a lot about.

Is there an AT student who can help us out on this?

 

[jesspt]

I know this is a PT forum, not an ATC forum. But I thought I'd ask: Is it routine for ATCs to perform HVLA cervical manipulation? I had a patient today tell me the team trainer "tried" to manipulate his neck "but he couldn't get it to crack". Yikes!!

Here's another question - Facet: Is this patient someone on whom you would have considered perfomring a cervical manipulation, or was the ATC off base in your opinion?

 

[atstudent]

We did learn how to do joint mobilizations in my undergraduate program, but not a whole lot of spine stuff.

It's not something I would use myself, but I also would consider the spine to be a weakness of mine. In my current setting, I would refer an athlete/patient who has back issues and let the physical therapists that I work with to deal with that patient.

 

[goyo1010]

When you say ATCs can do HVLA, do you mean it's part of their training, their legal scope? How much training in HVLA does the typical ATC get? I've been around awhile and haven't heard too much of this. Doesn't sound like a good idea to me, particularly involving the cervical spine.

They can get certified further in HLVA techniques through certain programs and yes, in many states spinal manipulation is within their scope of practice, e.g. Texas. However, I am not certain as to the extent of their training--if their training is as comprehensive as PTs or DCs.

 

[jesspt]

They can get certified further in HLVA techniques through certain programs and yes, in many states spinal manipulation is within their scope of practice, e.g. Washington, Texas. However, I am not certain as to the extent of their training--if their training is as comprehensive as PTs or DCs.

Wait a minute. An ATC can perform manipulation in Washington, but a PT can't?

 

[goyo1010]

Wait a minute. An ATC can perform manipulation in Washington, but a PT can't?

I apologize. ATCs cannot perform spinal manipulation in Washington. I was thinking of something else.

 

[hefe]

This thread was the reminder that PT's still can't manipulate the spine in WA (and I think MS or AL too?, one other). This is practiced safely and effectively in 48 states around the country by PT's. It's clearly a well taught portion of the cirriculum for PT's around the country. And yes, even WA's state-funded PT schools teaches these techniques. Yet, they're barred from that portion of practice by the DC lobby years ago.

I still can't believe this is going on in 2011... I'm not sure if to think if this is a combination of being slightly sad, somewhat laughable, or wholly disconcerting. 😳

 

[jesspt]

This thread was the reminder that PT's still can't manipulate the spine in WA (and I think MS or AL too?, one other). This is practiced safely and effectively in 48 states around the country by PT's. It's clearly a well taught portion of the cirriculum for PT's around the country. And yes, even WA's state-funded PT schools teaches these techniques. Yet, they're barred from that portion of practice by the DC lobby years ago.

I still can't believe this is going on in 2011... I'm not sure if to think if this is a combination of being slightly sad, somewhat laughable, or wholly disconcerting. 😳

I believe the other state is actually Arkansas.

And although the DC lobby played a part in what happened in Washington state, essentially the PTs there traded their right to perform HVLA for Direct Access.