Point of care ultrasonography in physical therapists’ clinical practice: a clinical perspective
Hayward, Lorna M. Markowski, Alycia M. Steiner, Bruno U.K. Maitland, Murry E. Watkins, Maureen K. Manske, Robert C. Beneck, George J.
Hayward, Lorna M.
Markowski, Alycia M.
Steiner, Bruno U.K.
Maitland, Murry E.
Watkins, Maureen K.
Manske, Robert C.
Beneck, George J.
Citations
Altmetric:
Other Names
Location
Time Period
Advisors
Original Date
Digitization Date
Issue Date
2025-03-03
Type
Article
Genre
Keywords
Diagnosis,Musculoskeletal,Physical therapist practice,Point of care ultrasound imaging,Ultrasound imaging
Subjects (LCSH)
Citation
Hayward, L. M., Markowski, A. M., Steiner, B. U. K., Maitland, M. E., Watkins, M. K., Manske, R. C., & Beneck, G. J. (2025). Point of care ultrasonography in physical therapists’ clinical practice: a clinical perspective. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2025.2470460
Abstract
This paper offers a contemporary, evidence-based perspective on how point of care ultrasonography imaging (POCUS) has the potential to impact orthopedic and sports physical therapists’ examination and treatment. Clinical use of POCUS has increased in medicine and is emerging in physical therapist practice. Greater affordability, portability, ease of use, and evidence supporting its’ diagnostic value have contributed to increased use. Modern ultrasound devices have improved resolution allowing for the differentiation of anatomical structures. Physical therapists use POCUS in clinical practice as an extension of the physical examination to confirm, refute, expand, or narrow a differential diagnosis. Doctor of Physical Therapy professional education provides entry-level student physical therapists with the foundational knowledge necessary for the clinical application of POCUS. A physical therapist’s use of POCUS complements the clinical evaluation and contrasts with the approach of referring out for diagnostic imaging and waiting for results. We present current evidence for expanded use of POCUS by physical therapists in clinical practice. We advocate for using ultrasound imaging in orthopedic and sports physical therapists’ practice. Integrating POCUS into physical therapist patient management, could decrease patient healthcare costs through increased diagnostic efficiency. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Table of Contents
Description
Click on the DOI link to access this article at the publishers website (may not be free).
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Ltd.
Journal
Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy
Book Title
Series
Digital Collection
Finding Aid URL
Use and Reproduction
Archival Collection
PubMed ID
ISSN
10669817