Scope of practice
Definition
Scope of practice is set by each state's law for each profession, usually in a practice act and the board's rules. Two professions can share a technique while their scopes describe it differently, and one profession's scope can differ from state to state.
The common mistake
Topics that use 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.
- Therapeutic exerciseExercise prescribed to restore or improve strength, mobility, endurance or function.
- Blood flow restriction trainingLow-load exercise performed with a cuff partly restricting blood flow to the limb.
- Kinesiology tapingElastic tape applied to the skin, distinct from rigid athletic taping.
- Electrical stimulationElectrical current applied through the skin for pain relief or muscle activation.
- Therapeutic ultrasoundSound waves applied to tissue as a treatment, distinct from diagnostic ultrasound imaging.
- 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.
- Return to play clearanceThe decision, often written, that an injured athlete may go back to training or competition.
- 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