8: PT Should Have The Ability To Use DUS Flashcards
(21 cards)
What was the affirmative opening statement ?
- Diagnostic US is widely utilized in fields like sports medicine and orthopedics that involve physical therapy too
- Diagnostic US is necessary for patient management as it provides more information than tradition physical examination
What are the affirmative arguments
What supported the affirmative argument “Better treatment outcomes” ?
Diagnostic US determines:
- Exact location
- Severity of injury
= more targeted therapy
Compare before and after to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment
What supported the affirmative argument “Enhancing diagnostic accuracy” ?
Ability to visualize MSK structures in real time = accurate diagnosis
(Traditional physical exams rely on subjective assessment while US imaging provides objective and high resolution images of the structures)
Which team used this point ?
For which argument was this point used ?
“ Traditional physical exams rely on subjective assessment while US imaging provides objective and high resolution images of the structures”
Affirmative
Enhancing diagnostic accuracy
What supported the affirmative argument “Reducing delays in patient care” ?
US’s ability to provide immediate diagnostic information = BIGGEST ADVANTAGE = avoids delays associated with imaging referrals
Significant changes in PT treatment plans were seen after implementing US imaging
According to the affirmative group, what is one of the biggest advantage of diagnostic US?
Provides immediate diagnostic information
What was the opposition opening statement ?
PT is a profession rooted in movement, function, and rehabilitation — not medical imaging and diagnosis
Diagnostic ultrasound should remain with trained radiologist/physicians
PTs lack the diagnostic training; misuse risks patient safety and care quality.
What are the opposition arguments
- PTs lack specialized training.
- Time constraints in sessions.
- Risk of losing focus on PT’s core/real role.
What supported the opposition argument “Lack of Specialized Training” ?
• Physical therapists are not trained to perform or interpret diagnostic ultrasound (outside PT scope)
• Even trained physicians can misread ultrasound results, SO… PTs using it without proper qualifications risks misdiagnosis, delayed care, and patient harm.
What supported the opposition argument “Time constraints in sessions” ?
• Adding ultrasound to 30–90 minute PT sessions reduces time for essential care.
• Ultrasound can take up to an hour, limiting assessment, treatment, and education.
• Studies show new diagnostics without longer sessions lead to inefficiency and lower patient satisfaction.
What supported the opposition argument “Risk of losing focus on PT’s core role.” ?
• Using ultrasound might take PTs away from their main job—helping people move and recover.
• It shifts focus to scans instead of how the patient moves or feels.
• Scans often show issues (small tears, disc bulges, etc) that don’t actually cause any problems/symptoms.
• Focusing on these can lead to wrong treatments, stress, and extra referrals.
• PTs already have strong ways to check patients without scans.
Affirmative Rebuttal to “Lack of Training”
• PTs aren’t expected to use diagnostic ultrasound (DUS) without training—they can be trained and become as competent as other providers.
• Training enhances their role, not changes it, and there are many learning options available for those who want to specialize.
Affirmative Rebuttal to “Time Constraints”
• DUS can actually save time by identifying issues immediately instead of relying on trial-and-error with exercises.
• A trained PT can use ultrasound in just a few minutes, making sessions more efficient, not longer.
Affirmative Rebuttal to “Risk of distraction from PT’s core role”
• Ultrasound supports, not replaces, the PT’s role as a movement and musculoskeletal expert involved in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
• It’s an added tool for clearer understanding of a patient’s condition, enhancing care delivery.
Opposition Rebuttal to “Better treatment outcomes”
• Using DUS sounds beneficial, but evidence doesn’t consistently show improved outcomes in diagnosis or recovery.
• A study in Musculoskeletal Science and Practice found that it may guide treatment, but doesn’t always improve results.
Opposition Rebuttal to “Enhancing diagnostic accuracy”
• PTs lack specialized training to interpret scans properly, risking misdiagnosis.
• Accuracy is better ensured through collaboration with imaging professionals rather than overextending PT responsibilities beyond their scope.
Opposition Rebuttal to “Reducing delays in patient care”
• Giving PTs ultrasound access might seem efficient but can backfire due to misinterpretation.
• A better approach is to strengthen referral systems and keep imaging within expert hands to ensure accuracy and safety.
Which team used this point ?
Which argument were they rebutting ?
“ strengthen the referral process, keep imaging in expert hands, and make sure faster care doesn’t come at the cost of accuracy and patient safety”
Opposition rebuttal for this affirmative argument “ Reducing delays in patient care “
Affirmative Closing Statement
• DUS use by PTs can be very beneficial across multiple fields, enhancing diagnostic precision.
• It can improve outcomes and reduce delays, making care faster and more targeted.
Opposition Closing Statement
• The issue isn’t restricting roles—it’s about ensuring care is grounded in training, evidence, and safety.
• Without proof of better outcomes, role expansion only adds complexity and risk.
• True progress comes from doing what matters well, not just doing more.
