Terese M. Pikula, PTA

Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical therapist assistants are skilled health care providers who are graduates of a physical therapist assistant associate degree program accredited by an agency recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education or Council on Postsecondary Accreditation, who assists the physical therapist in providing physical therapy. The supervising physical therapist is directly responsible for the actions of the physical therapist assistant. The PTA performs physical therapy procedures and related tasks that have been selected and delegated by the supervising physical therapist. Duties of the PTA include assisting the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs, training patients in exercised and activities of daily living, conducting treatments, and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient's responses. In addition to direct patient care, the PTA may also perform such functions as patient transport, and clinic or equipment preparation and maintenance. Currently more than half of all states require PTAs to be licensed, registered or certified. (2) An individual who works under the supervision of a physical therapist to assist him or her in providing physical therapy services. A physical therapy assistant may, for instance, help patients follow an appropriate exercise program that will increase their strength, endurance, coordination, and range of motion and train patients to perform activities of daily life.

Clinical Electrophysiology Physical Therapist

Mrs. Terese M. Pikula is a Clinical Electrophysiology Physical Therapist in Evergreen Park, IL with special training and skill in addressing neuromuscular disorders and injuries. As a Clinical Electrophysiology Physical Therapist, Terese M. Pikula, PTA performs therapies for both acute and chronic neuromuscular conditions. Clinical Electrophysiology is physical therapy that utilizes electrotherapy and wound care. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Clinical Electrophysiology Physical Therapists include frostbite, burns, diabetic ulcers, surgical wounds, strokes, and brain or spine injuries. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Clinical Electrophysiology Physical Therapists include electromyography, range of motion exercises, wound dressing, and electrotherapy.

A licensed physical therapist, including but not limited to an individual who is a Board Certified Specialist in Clinical Electrophysiologic Physical Therapy, who has demonstrated specialized knowledge and skill in electrophysiologic examinations and evaluations and encompasses both the professional and technical components of the observation, recording, analysis, and interpretation of bioelectric muscle and nerve potentials, detected by means of surface or needle electrodes, for the purpose of evaluating the integrity of the neuromuscular system. Electrophysiologic evaluations include, but are not limited to, electrodiagnostic testing, which includes clinical needle electromyography, motor and sensory nerve conduction studies, and other evoked potential procedures.