Practice act
Definition
Each licensed profession has a practice act in each state. Boards then write rules that interpret it. When a practice act is silent on a technique, boards and attorneys general sometimes issue opinions, which can change.
The common mistake
Topics that use it
- Spinal manipulationA high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust applied to a spinal joint.
- CuppingSuction cups applied to the skin, either left in place or moved across it.
- Dry needlingA thin, solid filament needle inserted into muscle or other tissue, with nothing injected.
- Ordering diagnostic imagingWho may order X-ray, MRI and other imaging, and on what terms.
- Vestibular rehabilitationExercise-based treatment for dizziness and balance problems from inner-ear and related disorders, including repositioning maneuvers for positional vertigo.
- Aquatic therapyTherapeutic exercise and rehabilitation carried out in a pool or other water environment.
- Soft tissue mobilizationHands-on techniques applied to muscle, tendon and fascia rather than to joints.
- TractionA pulling force applied along the spine or a limb, by hand or with a device.
- Photobiomodulation (laser therapy)Red or near-infrared light from a laser or LED, applied to tissue without heating or cutting it.
- Shockwave therapyShort, high-pressure sound pulses delivered through the skin to tendon, fascia or bone.
- Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasoundUsing a handheld ultrasound probe to see tendons, muscles and joints in real time during an examination.
- Direct accessSeeing a clinician without first getting a referral from a physician.
- TelehealthProviding assessment, exercise instruction and follow-up remotely, by video, phone or app.
- Topical and administered medicationsApplying or giving medications prescribed by someone else, such as anti-inflammatory gels, iontophoresis or emergency epinephrine.
- Ordering laboratory testsRequesting blood, urine or other specimen tests to help diagnose a condition.
Related terms
Definitions here are general. They do not say what any profession may do in any state; that is set by each state’s law. Back to the full glossary