Which statement describes a component not typically included in the PT scope of practice?

Which statement describes a component not typically included in the PT scope of practice?

• A. Discharge planning.
• B. Documentation of progress.
• C. Surgical procedures to repair tendons.
• D. Evaluation and prognosis.

Answer: (C)

A key idea here is understanding what physical therapists are licensed to do versus what requires surgery. Surgical procedures to repair tendons are operative interventions that fall under a physician or surgeon’s role, not the PT scope. Physical therapists typically perform evaluation and prognosis to determine functional potential, develop and implement a treatment plan, document progress, and participate in discharge planning to ensure a safe transition out of care. While they can be involved in prehab or post-op rehabilitation and closely monitor progress, they do not perform surgical repairs. That’s why the statement describing surgical procedures to repair tendons is not included in the typical PT scope of practice.

A key idea here is understanding what physical therapists are licensed to do versus what requires surgery. Surgical procedures to repair tendons are operative interventions that fall under a physician or surgeon’s role, not the PT scope.

Physical therapists typically perform evaluation and prognosis to determine functional potential, develop and implement a treatment plan, document progress, and participate in discharge planning to ensure a safe transition out of care. While they can be involved in prehab or post-op rehabilitation and closely monitor progress, they do not perform surgical repairs. That’s why the statement describing surgical procedures to repair tendons is not included in the typical PT scope of practice.