By Damien Howell PT, DPT, OCS
On May 22 I graduated from Washington University St. Louis with a Post Professional Doctorate of Physical Therapy. A relative recent development in the profession of Physical Therapy is the granting of a clinical doctorate degree for individuals entering the profession the profession of Physical Therapy. The doctorate degree in physical therapy (DPT) is now an entry-level professional degree, completed in 3 calendar years after an undergraduate degree. A Postprofessional Doctor of Physical Therapy (PPDPT) degree was designed to serve the needs of physical therapists that entered the profession before the entry level standard was a clinical Doctorate degree, and it also provides experienced professionals the opportunity to enhance their skills as a diagnosticians and evidence-based practitioners.
The four years of real-time internet based course work, on campus week-end course work, and independent study courses definitely, enhanced my diagnostic skills, and practice in an evidence based manner. In 2008 US News and World Reports ranked Washington University St. Louis in the top three Physical Therapy Schools in the country.
I would like to thank my patients who agreed to be subjects for the case reports in my Capstone project entitled "Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome Using the Movement System Concepts". I would also like to thank my mentor Shirley Sahrmann Phd. who is the originator of the Movement System Syndrome diagnostic process. Most importantly, I want to thank wife Lynn for her support and encouragement with the process.
You can now call me Dr. Howell, Dr. Damien, but I am very comfortable with you calling me Damien.
The Capstone project involved writing detailed case reports of diagnosis and treatment of 3 patients with shin splints. Extensive review of the literature identified 13 observations which can be visualized using a slow motion video gait analysis which are correlated with shin pain walking/running. Weak muscles of plantar flexion (calf muscles) were found to be related to the development of shin pain, and this is an under recognized observation, which responds positively to strengthening exercise. Two of the three patients were able to continue their running program if they ran up an incline, at a slow speed, with a short stride; whereas if they returned to running on level the symptoms returned. After treatment all 3 patients returned to symptom free running.
The process of writing detailed case reports of actual patients and searching the literature for supporting evidence, and having peers review the case report was a remarkable continuing education process.
If you or a friend has recurring shin pain, give me a call 804-965-9990, I can help.
Damien Howell PT, DPT, OCS
Physiotherapy Associates Richmond West End Clinic
8909 West Broad St.
Suite F
Richmond, Va. 23294
804-965-9990
www.damienhowellpt.com
Damien@DamienHowellPT.com
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