13: PTs should provide services for Healthy adults Flashcards
(18 cards)
Oppositin opening statement
• Physical therapy should prioritize individuals with medical needs, not healthy people who can use trainers or coaches.
• Shifting focus to general wellness may delay care for those who truly need medical intervention.
Opposition arguments
• System capacity and access
• Overlapping with fitness professionals
• Not their intended scope of practice
What supported the opposition argument “System capacity and access” ?
There is already a shortage of physical therapists; using their time for healthy individuals may reduce access for those needing medical rehabilitation.
• Source: APTA - shortage of 27,000 PTs by 2030
What supported the opposition argument “Overlapping with fitness professionals” ?
Healthy individuals can work with fitness professionals instead of medical experts; blurring these roles risks public confusion and diminishes the medical identity of physical therapy.
• Source: The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy defines physical therapy as a healthcare profession focused on treating individuals with injury, illness, or disability
What supported the opposition argument “Not their intended scope of practice” ?
• PT services should prioritize patients with medical needs (injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions) due to limited resources (staff, time, equipment).
• PTs are specifically trained to diagnose and treat physical impairments, so offering services to healthy individuals may reduce access or quality of care for those who truly need it.
• Source: World Physiotherapy states that physical therapy is intended for individuals affected by movement disorders due to illness, injury, or disability.
Affirmative opening statement
• Physical therapy supports prevention, performance, and long-term health — not just recovery.
• Healthy individuals deserve access to PT to move better, live stronger, and avoid future injuries.
• The focus is on proactive care, not just reactive treatment.
Affirmative arguments
• Injury Prevention
• Enhanced Athletic Performance
• Posture Improvement
What supported the affirmative argument “Injury Prevention” ?
• Improves movement, posture, and muscle balance to prevent injuries
• Makes ADLs like walking and lifting safer and easier
What supported the affirmative argument “Enhanced Athletic Performance” ?
• Supports strength, flexibility, and efficient movement
• Boosts athletic performance and reduces injury risk
What supported the affirmative argument “Posture Improvement” ?
• Helps correct posture issues from sitting or device use
• Teaches people to use their body correctly (i.e ergonomic habits), preventing strain and supporting musculoskeletal health
Opposition rebuttal to “Injury Prevention”
• Physical therapy is defined as a medical service focused on treating injuries and physical limitations, not primarily preventing them.
• Not all injuries can be prevented, even with therapy or training.
Opposition rebuttal to “Enhanced Athletic Performance”
• Performance depends on various factors like diet, genetics, mindset, and strategy — not just physical training.
• Overtraining can lead to burnout, fatigue, or injury.
• Healthy people already have access to trainers and gyms; medical-level care isn’t always necessary.
Opposition rebuttal to “Posture Improvement”
• The idea of one “perfect” posture is a myth — it varies by individual, and forcing a “correct” one can cause discomfort or issues.
• Functional movement is more important than maintaining a fixed or static posture.
Opposition closing statement
Affirmative rebuttal to “System capacity and access”
Affirmative rebuttal to “Role confusion and overlap”
• Unlike fitness trainers, PTs are licensed medical experts with diagnostic skills, so they can detect early dysfunctions and injury risks that others might overlook.
• Trainers may unintentionally apply exercises incorrectly, risking harm.
• Preventive care strengthens PTs’ credibility in movement science; thus expands their role and boosts its value and public trust.
Affirmative rebuttal to “Not their intended scope of practice”
• PT includes prevention and early detection, not just treatment (per APTA and WHO).
• Helping healthy adults prevents bigger issues and reduces pressure on the healthcare system.
• Only using PT for injuries wastes their full skill set.
• Expanding PT access improves care by lowering future demand.
Affirmative closing statement
Physical therapy supports proactive health for healthy individuals by preventing injuries, boosting performance, and improving posture—it’s a tool for wellness, not just recovery.
