Physical Care Research Articles

Exploring the Opportunities and Barriers of Implementing the Health Focused Physical Therapy Model

The Health-Focused Physical Therapy Model integrates lifestyle behavior management into physical therapy practice using a standardized care model and motivational patient interviewing. The purpose of this study was to identify the perceived opportunities and barriers physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and rehab administrators may face when implementing the model. This study included a survey of 19 physical therapy clinicians, and interviews with four rehabilitation administrators from one healthcare system. All participants attended a continuing education course covering the model and then completed a survey detailing their perceptions. Participants included female (100%), physical therapists (78.9%) and physical therapy assistants (21.1%), with variable educational degrees, and at least 16 years of clinic experience (73.7%). Four rehabilitation administrators, 100% female with at least 11 years of PT practice, participated in a semi-structured interview. Survey analysis revealed participants were confident in their understanding of the model and believed the model would positively impact the health of patients. However, over half perceived time limitations as a barrier. Meanwhile, three themes from the interview emerged including holistic care, implementation barriers, and needed resources. This study demonstrated time limitations and productivity standards could limit the implementation of health-focused physical therapy care. Future research should analyze opportunities and barriers of the model with broadened participant sampling methods and triangulation across healthcare practitioner roles to guide implementation and realistic practice standards.

Addressing Health Care Access Disparities Through a Public Health Approach to Physical Therapist Practice.

As the field evolves as a doctoring profession, the role and scope of physical therapist practice must also grow to meet important and urgent public health needs. Scalable, population-level interventions must be prioritized to the same degree as tailored, individual-level care. Drawing from public health frameworks, this perspective proposes an approach to population-level physical therapist care delivery that aims to mitigate disease and disability and improve health outcomes by expanding access, decreasing cost, and improving quality of care for those facing the greatest health disparities. Application of these frameworks prompts the development of novel approaches to rehabilitation service delivery to advance twin goals of promoting access to care and reducing health disparities. This paper describes how a population health framework and public health approach can be used to support necessary evolution and innovation within the field of physical therapy and to improve rehabilitation service delivery. Rapid developments in the digital and virtual health space have created a unique opportunity for physical therapists to lean into a new vision of their role as clinicians within the broader health ecosystem. This paper will provide clinicians with a broader perspective of physical therapist expertise and describe opportunities for the development and application of a physical therapist skill set toward driving population health outcomes. Real-world examples will guide clinicians to consider opportunities in their own practice for implementing this public health approach and potentially addressing various contributors to persistent health disparities.

Health care utilization up to 11years after diagnosis among patients with a hematologic malignancy and its association with socioeconomic position.

To investigate health care utilization among patients with hematologic malignancies and its association with socioeconomic position (SEP) and compare health care utilization with a cancer-free population. Patients with aggressive lymphoma, indolent lymphoma, or multiple myeloma (MM), diagnosed between 1999-2010 and 2015-2019, participated in longitudinal patient-reported outcome research, up to 11years post-diagnosis. Questionnaires assessed health care utilization at the general practitioner (GP), medical specialist, and additional health care. SEP was based on education and income, categorized as low, medium, or high. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Mixed models and logistic regression analyses were performed. The study included 2319 patients (71% response rate), who completed on average five measurements. Patients with MM reported the highest health care utilization, both at the GP and medical specialist. Low SEP was associated with higher utilization at the GP (medium education β = - 0.72, p = 0.01; high education β = - 1.15, p < 0.001) and lower utilization of additional physical (OR = 1.7, p = 0.01) and psychosocial (OR = 1.5, p < 0.05) care, among all patients. For patients with MM, high SEP was also associated with higher utilization of health care at the medical specialist (high education β = 2.56, p < 0.05). Hematologic malignancy-related and SEP-related disparities in health care utilization were observed. To ensure equal access to health consumption, attention is needed for patients with a low SEP to provide better guidance in their cancer (survivorship) care. Improving health literacy and involving informal caregivers and nurse-led patient navigation may help reduce disparities in access to (additional) health care.

Navigating complexity: healthcare providers’ experiences with integrating physical health promotion in psychosis outpatient services in Sweden

Background Individuals with psychotic disorders face an increased risk of physical health issues, leading to reduced life expectancy. Despite recommendations to integrate physical health promotion into mental healthcare, challenges persist, and mortality from somatic diseases continues to rise. Understanding healthcare providers’ perspectives is crucial to overcoming these barriers. This study aims to explore the experiences of healthcare providers working in direct patient care and as unit heads regarding factors influencing health promotion in Swedish psychosis outpatient units. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in two specialized psychosis outpatient units. Thirteen healthcare providers, including clinical case managers and three heads of units, were individually interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results Three main themes were generated: (1) Health care providers’ attitudes and competence. The health care provider’s values and beliefs influenced the engagement in health promotion. (2) Patient-related aspects. Understanding how different patient life components shaped the physical health and need for measurements (3) Organizational prerequisites. Prioritizing resources and leadership impact the experience of health promotion. Clinical case management appeared as a promising approach to coordinate/integrate physical and mental health care, evident in themes 1 and 3. Conclusions Beyond organizational factors, healthcare providers’ skills, patient understanding, and ethical reflection influence their motivation to engage in physical health promotion. The study included only 13 participants, representing various professions, including managers who provided specific leadership perspectives. Clinical case managers appear well-suited to address physical health promotion due to their proficiency in shared decision-making and coordination.

The Correlation Between Quality of Care and Mental Health and Behavioral Problems Among Vietnamese Adolescents in Social Support Facilities

Background: Previous studies have shown the negative impact of institutional care on children’s physical and mental health. However, in addition to the form of care, the quality of care is an important factor in children’s mental health. This study explored the quality of care and the association between the quality of care and mental health issues among adolescents in Vietnam social support facilities (SSFs). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 273 institutionalized adolescents who lived in SSFs and 273 adolescents cared for by family. Depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, sleep problems, behavioral problems, and quality of care were measured. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Results: The quality of care was rated as quite high by institutionalized adolescents. However, the mean score for quality of care was significantly lower for institutionalized adolescents than for the comparison group. The quality of physical care did not show a significant relationship with mental health risk, except for anxiety. In contrast, emotional care was negatively associated with all common mental health problems including anxiety (beta = –0.40, P &lt; .001), depression (beta = –0.31, P &lt; .01), conduct behavior (beta = –0.30, P &lt; .01) and sleep problems (beta = –0.30, P &lt; .01). An increase in emotional care was therefore associated with a decrease in mental health problems. Conclusions: Emotional care is more important than physical care for adolescents in SSFs. It is necessary to improve the quality of care, particularly emotional care, for adolescents to reduce the risk of mental health problems.

New Protocol for Evaluating Maximum Inspiratory Pressure: Concurrent Validity and Test-Retest Reliability.

The purpose of this study was to validate a maximum inspiratory pressure test protocol based on the principles of the one-repetition maximum test, assess its test-retest reliability, and establish minimal detectable change in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Forty-nine individuals with COPD were included in the study, of whom 44 individuals attended 2 appointments separated by 7 to 10days for test-retest reliability. The maximum inspiratory pressure test was performed using a threshold valve device (one-repetition maximum-based protocol) and the digital manometer (reference test). The one-repetition maximum-based protocol consisted of an incremental phase (inspiratory load increase [10 cmH2O] to achieve respiratory failure) and an approach phase (load halfway between the lowest failed attempt and the last valid attempt was prescribed). The concurrent validity of the one-repetition maximum-based protocol for the maximum inspiratory pressure test was good with respect to the reference test (day 1, ICC = 0.81; day 2, ICC = 0.85). The test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.92), with a standard error of measurement of 6.3 cmH2O and a minimal detectable change of 17.5 cmH2O. This study validated a new one-repetition maximum-based protocol for the maximum inspiratory pressure test using an inspiratory muscle training device in individuals with COPD, showing good concurrent validity compared with the reference test, as well as excellent test-retest reliability. The minimal detectable change reported can be interpreted and applied in the clinical setting. There was a need for developing new, inexpensive, simple, and feasible methods for the maximum inspiratory pressure test. The validation of the one-repetition maximum-based protocol addresses this issue, allowing for the appropriate prescription of inspiratory muscle training, favoring its widespread use in people with COPD and therefore improving their physical therapist care.

Deaths in jail: a retrospective analysis of autopsies performed at the Legal Medicine Unit of Pavia (1999-2022).

The high rate of incarceration, now exceeding 11.5 million people worldwide, has raised concerns about the conditions within penal institutions, such as the consequences of incarceration on the person. This retrospective study aims to investigate the issue of death in custody, exploring the relationship between incarceration, health vulnerabilities, and death from the forensic pathologist's point of view. We analyzed, from a forensic, clinical and toxicological perspective, 86 cases of deaths in detention facilities in North-Western Italy from 1999 to 2022. The analysis has shown that suicide, mainly committed by hanging, plastic bag suffocation and butane intoxication, represents the leading type of violent death (52%), followed by accidental deaths (16%). On the other hand, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of natural deaths (42%), followed by infectious diseases (especially HIV-related). The present study identifies the most frequent and critical situations and risk factors related to death in custody and the profile of the inmate who is at a higher risk of death, allowing to highlight the issues to be addressed from a public health point of view. On the whole, it calls for comprehensive reforms, aligned with international human rights standards, addressing mental and physical care gaps, improving correctional officers' education, and training, and focusing on rehabilitation with well-being and dignity.

Content Analysis of Online Resources Regarding Needs for Advance Care Planning.

This study aimed to investigate advance care planning needs expressed online. This study collected data from online community posts and healthcare news sites. The search keywords included "death," "euthanasia," "life-sustaining medical care," "life-sustaining treatment," "advance directives," "advance medical directives," and "advance care planning." Data collection spanned from February 2018 to February 14, 2020. Out of 2,288 posts, 1,190 were included in the final analysis. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo 12, a qualitative data analysis software program. Content analysis categorized patients' advance care planning needs into eight themes, 11 theme clusters, and 33 meaningful statements. Similarly, care providers' advance care planning needs were categorized into eight themes, 14 theme clusters, and 42 meaningful statements. The identified themes of care needs included life-sustaining medical care, decision-making related to life-sustaining medical care, physical care, environmental care, supportive and spiritual care, respect, preparing for death, and family. This study identified care needs from the perspectives of patients and their families. The findings may serve as preliminary data for future research and clinical applications.

Treatment Among Commercial and Medicaid-Insured Adults With Incident Chronic Pain Episodes

Analyses of health care data can reveal utilization of treatment options that comprise a multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain management. This retrospective cohort study aimed to characterize treatments among commercially versus Medicaid-insured adults with incident episodes of chronic pain. We used MarketScan data to identify patients with diagnoses for conditions associated with chronic pain, assess procedure codes that align with broad categories of treatment options, and compare receipt of treatments by insurance type. Among enrollees aged ≥18 years, 4,254,818 adults with commercial insurance and 583,369 with Medicaid met continuous enrollment criteria and had no chronic pain episodes in 2017. Among patients with incident chronic pain episodes during 2018 to 2020, we determined the proportions receiving different categories of treatment options during the year following diagnosis. Cohen’s h determined meaningful differences by insurance. Study cohorts included 1,095,358 commercial (mean [standard deviation] age, 47.3 [13.3] years; 54.3% women) and 176,607 Medicaid adults (38.1 [12.7] years; 70.6% women) with incident chronic pain episodes during 2018 to 2020. More commercial than Medicaid patients received restorative therapies such as physical therapy (38.6% vs 19.2%), complementary or integrative care such as chiropractic treatment (31.1% vs 9.0%), and 2 or more different types of nonmedication treatment procedures (34.1% vs 16.3%). Median days to treatments were shorter for commercial patients. Disparities in the provision, patterns, and timing of treatments by insurance suggest differential access to the full range of treatment options early during the course of care and identify opportunities to align coverage and reimbursement policies with current practice guidelines. PerspectiveThis analysis of medical claims for patients with incident chronic pain episodes found disparities in the provision, patterns, and timing of treatments by insurance type. These results suggest differential access to evidence-based treatment options early during care and identify opportunities to align coverage and reimbursement policies with current practice guidelines.

Integrating Fitness Training in Oncologic Care: Lessons Learned from a Large Telemedicine Trial

ObjectiveTo provide insights from patients and clinicians regarding the benefits and barriers of the introduction of a telerehabilitation fitness program into the oncologic care of people with late-stage cancer. DesignThis study is a qualitative assessment of the COllaborative Care to Preserve PErformance in Cancer trial, which involved the insertion of a telerehabilitation fitness program into the oncologic care of patients with late-stage cancer. SettingA large midwestern medical center. ParticipantsThirty-one patients who matched the overall demographics of the study participants as well as 3 oncologists, 2 physical therapist fitness care managers (FCMs), nurse pain care manager, and 2 supervisory physicians involved in the study. InterventionsFive hundred sixteen patients with late-stage (IIIC or IV) cancer were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 arms: a control group that received usual oncologic care and 2 intervention groups. The members of the latter continued with their usual care but also received either 6 months of a fitness program, with or without the addition of pain management assistance. All components were delivered via telemedicine with the fitness program consisting of progressive resistance and walking components. Main Outcome MeasuresPerceived benefits and shortcomings of the intervention were obtained via written narratives from the patients and as well as through interviews with the oncologists, FCMs, nurse pain care manager, and supervisory physicians involved in the study. ResultsThematic analysis revealed 87% (27/31) of the participants found the program helpful. Regular contact with someone who understood their situation, helped improve their function, and encouraged active engagement in their care was perceived as particularly beneficial. The FCMs who worked remotely with participants to coordinate their exercise programs agreed that regular interactions with the patient facilitated engagement, education, and meaningful goal setting. The oncologists were supportive of the intervention but had concerns about patient suitability. The supervisory physicians noted a number of institutional barriers such as oncology workflows and the need for better sharing of information across disciplines. ConclusionsA fitness program delivered via telemedicine was perceived as beneficial by the patients, the FCMs, and the supervising physicians. Success hinged on the quality of the interaction between patients and the FCMs. Institutional barriers to implementation seem similar to those encountered by many new programs that need to be inserted into the workflows of busy clinics and practices.

A Retrospective Chart Review of Factors That Influence Outpatient Physical Therapy Care for Individuals With Chronic Constipation Utilizing an Intersectionality Lens

Purpose: This study sought to investigate intersectional factors regarding race, gender, health status, barriers to care, and socioeconomic factors surrounding adult individuals referred to outpatient physical therapy care with chronic constipation in the Miami, Florida metro area. Methods: The study was a retrospective chart review of 200 individuals referred to outpatient physical therapy at the University of Miami Health System over five years. The four primary questions that sought to explain physical therapy wait times, distance driven for care, duration of constipation on initial evaluation, and subjective well-being on the last physical therapy appointment were analyzed through binary logistic regression. Results: Our results demonstrate that subjective well-being at the end of outpatient physical therapy care for chronic constipation was negatively affected by identifying as African American/Black versus Caucasian (77.3%, odds ratio = 0.227 95% confidence interval, 0.061-0.847) and high durations of constipation ≥5 years (86.4%, odds ratio = 0.136; 95% confidence interval, = 0.026-0.723). Additionally, subjective well-being at the end of physical therapy care for CC was positively affected by an increasing number of sessions (9%, OR = 1.09; 95% CI, 1.002-1.194). Conclusion: Our findings indicated race and duration of constipation may impact clinical outcomes for individuals seeking outpatient physical therapy care for chronic constipation. Descriptive statistics also demonstrate the need to reach individuals with chronic constipation sooner and call for a more equitable and diverse representation of individuals in chronic constipation research and clinical care.

Penerapan Terapi Musik Instrumental Melalui Senam Terhadap Lansia Penderita Hipertensi di Panti Werdha Elim Kota Semarang

Panti Werdha Elim is an institution dedicated to elderly care that not only provides services but also recognizes the rights and responsibilities of the elderly. The main task of Panti Werdha Elim is to ensure the fulfillment of the elderly's needs, both in terms of physical and psychological care. One of the most common diseases suffered by the elderly is hypertension. Hypertension is a condition where a person's blood pressure is high and poses a risk of serious health problems. Panti Werdha Elim provides health care facilities in the form of music therapy for the elderly. This research aims to determine the application of music therapy in the elderly and to assess the effectiveness produced after the therapy is conducted. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach by collecting data through field observations, interviews, and literature studies. The main informants consist of nurses, therapists, and the elderly. The results of this study indicate that therapy is carried out for 15-30 minutes using music provided by the institution. In addition, the effectiveness produced is that the elderly feel a significant change in their health condition when this therapy is performed regularly. Another finding is that therapy is not only conducted in groups but also includes individual therapy for clients in need. Therefore, this research provides a detailed overview of the music therapy conducted and the dynamics of the social conditions of the elderly at Panti Werdha Elim.

Palliative care screening tools and patient outcomes: a systematic review

BackgroundPalliative care (PC) refers to providing patients with physical, psychological, mental, and other care and humanistic care services in a multidisciplinary collaborative mode with end-of-stage patients and family members as...

Comparing Physical Activity and Exercise Experiences, Values, and Beliefs of Latino, Latina, and/or Latine People and Non-Latino, Non-Latina, and/or Non-Latine People With Parkinson Disease: A Qualitative Study.

The objective of this study was to examine and compare the beliefs, values, experiences, and barriers to and facilitators of exercise in Latino/a/e (Latino, Latina, and/or Latine) people and non-Latino/a/e (non-Latino, non-Latina, and/or non-Latine) people with Parkinson disease (PD). This study involved a qualitative research design with data collection via focus groups of Latino/a/e and non-Latino/a/e people with PD. A semistructured interview protocol was used, and a theoretical (social ecological model) thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Twenty-five individuals (15 non-Latino/a/e and 10 Latino/a/e) participated across 5 focus groups. While there were several common themes among both groups, 7 themes related to exercise in the management of PD were unique to Latino/a/e participants: generalized versus specific knowledge of exercise components; family can have both facilitating and impeding roles; finances influence access to exercise and physical therapy; prior emotional experiences related to exercise and PD affect the future use of exercise; group exercise can have both facilitating and impeding roles; availability and access to a variety of modes and stratification of exercise classes for people with PD facilitate exercise; and cultural beliefs and expectations can impede the use of exercise at the population level. Latino/a/e people with PD have overlapping and unique themes related to the use of exercise. Distinctive factors must be addressed in physical activity interventions and during physical therapists' care of people with PD to maximize the use of exercise and ultimately improve health equity in this overburdened and underserved population. Physical therapists should provide information and education to their Latino/a/e patients with PD and family members on the frequency, intensity, type, and time of exercise and how to safely participate in physical activity in the home and community to best manage PD. Physical therapists and exercise professionals should work at the environmental level to increase access to affordable, culturally tailored, PD-specific exercise services and enhance community knowledge of PD.

Assessment and Prognostic Resources for Gross Motor Development in a Child with Cerebral Palsy Related to Congenital Zika Syndrome.

This article describes how the Gross Motor Ability Estimator (GMAE) software can provide important information based on the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)-66 score of a child with congenital Zika syndrome.A child was assessed at 9, 17, and 25 months of age through the GMFM-66. At 2 years, the child's gross motor ability was estimated and classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).At 2 years of age, the child in this case required assistance to roll and was unable to maintain antigravity trunk posture in sitting position, typical abilities of GMFCS level V.GMAE can be useful to guide health professionals that care for children with lifelong physical and developmental care needs. This is the first study that demonstrated how to use the GMAE in this specific population.

Disaster preparedness perceptions and psychological first-aid competencies of psychiatric nurses.

This study aimed to determine the disaster preparedness perceptions and psychological first-aid competencies of psychiatric nurses. Nurses must recognize the risks before a disaster occurs and have an action plan for providing effective physical and psychological care to patients and other affected individuals during and after the disaster. It is especially important for psychiatric nurses caring for a high-risk group, such as psychiatric patients, to be prepared for disasters and be able to support patients by recognizing the psychological reactions that may occur after a disaster and managing their care accordingly. For this cross-sectional and correlational study, data on 122 nurses were collected using a personal information form, the preparedness perception scale of disaster in nurses, and the psychological first-aid application self-efficacy scale. The mean score for the participants' perception of overall disaster preparedness was 76.70±8.30, the mean score for the preparation stage was 27.02±2.82, the mean score for the intervention stage was 30.40±5.15, the mean score for the post-disaster stage was 19.27±2.88, and the mean score for psychological first-aid application self-efficacy was 140.28±19.17. The findings showed that psychiatric nurses were above the medium level in terms of disaster preparedness perceptions and psychological first-aid application self-efficacy. It is important for nurses caring for high-risk groups, such as psychiatric patients, to be aware of disaster preparedness, to recognize psychological reactions that may be observed after a disaster, and to be aware of psychological first-aid practices that can be used to intervene in a disaster.

Physical, antibacterial, blood coagulation, and healing promotion evaluations of chitosan derivative-based composite films

Chitosan is a potentially suitable material for wound dressing, but is undesirably water-insoluble. Although chitosan can be modified to produce water-soluble derivatives, the best chitosan derivative for wound dressings remains unclear. The present study introduced three water-soluble chitosan derivatives, namely, carboxymethyl chitosan, quaternized chitosan (QCS), and carboxymethyl quaternized chitosan, and explored the physical properties, biochemical properties, and wound care effectiveness of films of these derivatives. The QCS-based film exhibited higher absorption ability, mechanical properties, water-vapor permeability, electroconductivity, and antioxidant capacity than the other films. Most importantly, the cationic quaternary ammonium groups facilitated the antibacterial activity (>95 %) and blood coagulant capacity of the QCS-based film. As this film also promoted wound healing, it presented as an ideal candidate for wound dressings.

Approaches to Supporting Young People in Out-of-Home Care Who ‘Self-Place’ in Unapproved Locations: Perspectives of Statutory Child Protection Practitioners

Abstract The responsibilities of statutory child protection practitioners (SCPPs) include supporting the care and protection needs of young people in out-of-home care. SCPPs face challenges in responding to young people’s preferences and rights to self-determination within child protection systems that are often risk averse. This article considers SCPPs’ approaches to working with young people who leave approved placements to stay in other, unapproved locations. This phenomenon is referred to as ‘self-placing’ in Queensland (Australia), where this study was conducted. These young people are often disconnected from support, at increased risk of homelessness and exploitation, have increased contact with the justice system, disengage from education, face barriers to mental and physical health care and experience ongoing trauma and crisis. We draw on data from seven focus groups conducted with twenty-six practitioners from Queensland’s child protection authority to explore how they work with this cohort. Our findings highlight the discomfort that SCPPs experience, due to concerns about risk and a lack of formal practice guidelines. Despite sharing concerns for the safety of young people, SCPPs adopt different approaches to manage the complexities of this work. Understanding these practices can assist in developing more responsive policies and practices for supporting this cohort.

The beliefs and practices used to promote physical and mental health in youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or queer plus (LGBTIQ+) experiencing housing insecurity: An integrative review.

The purpose of this integrative review was to explore the beliefs and practices used to promote physical and mental health among youth ages 18-25 years, identifying as LGBTIQ+ experiencing housing insecurity. The approach used strategies described by Whittemore and Knafl. Peer-reviewed, published research articles in English were identified using eight electronic databases. Eighteen research reports using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods were identified. Articles were evaluated for quality using the American Association of Critical Care Nurses Evidenced-Level Hierarchy evaluation tool. Data were analyzed and synthesized using Braun and Clarke's method. Four themes related to the purpose were extracted: pervasive experiences of stigma and discrimination, constantly attuned to navigating risks, inconsistent engagement in health information and care, and inner strength developed through personal and community experiences. There are strong implications for future research, public health nursing practice, and health policy. Public health nurses should incorporate social determinants of health (addressing harmful social processes such as homophobia and racism) as well as a strength-based upstream approach in research, education, and health care practices. More research must also be done to assess engagement in physical and mental health information and care.

Point of Care Ultrasound Guided Management of Lateral Ankle Sprains: A Case Series.

Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is a common injury with incidence rates reported at 7.2 per 1000 person-years. Physical examination strategies provide limited information to guide rehabilitation that can maximize clinical outcomes. Early and accurate diagnostic information using ultrasound imaging enables individualized care and the ability to monitor healing along with its response to activity and rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to describe and observe the outcomes associated with Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) guided early management of acute and sub-acute lateral ankle sprains. Case series. Individuals with a LAS within the prior 28 days underwent a clinical evaluation to include a POCUS exam to assess ligamentous integrity. Objective and POCUS findings were integrated to classify each LAS into one of four categories. Each grade of ankle sprain corresponded to levels of bracing for the protection of injured structures with each patient receiving physical therapy care based on rehabilitation guidelines. Participants completed the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) activities of daily living and Sports subscale, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems Global Health, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale as well as the Ankle Lunge Test and Figure 8 measurements at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks post enrollment. The FAAM Sport subscale, all FAOS subscales, and the TSK-11 were also collected at 24 weeks while the CAIT was collected at baseline and 24 weeks. Fourteen participants were enrolled with 11 participants completing all data collection. FAAM Sport scores significantly improved at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks. All components of the FAOS significantly increased except for Sport scores at four weeks and Quality of Life scores at four and eight weeks. POCUS guided early management and ligamentous protection of LASs resulted in significant short and long-term improvement in function and return to sporting activity. This case series highlights the feasibility of using ultrasound imaging to assess the severity of ligamentous injury and align bracing strategies for ligamentous protection. The observations from this case series suggest that functional bracing strategies focused on ligamentous protection to promote healing and reduce re-injury rates does not delay improvement in functional outcomes. Level IV, Case Series.