EMG AND MSKUS LAWS FOR SOUTH DAKOTA

The Physical Therapy Practice Act of the State of South Dakota defines Physical Therapy as:

Physical Therapy defined. For the purposes of this chapter, the practice of physical therapy is the examination and evaluation of patients with mechanical, physiological, and developmental impairments, functional limitation, and disability or other similar conditions in order to determine a diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic intervention; alleviation of impairments and functional limitations by designing, implementing, and modifying therapeutic interventions that include therapeutic exercise, functional training in community or work reintegration, manual therapy techniques including soft tissue and joint mobilization, assistive and adaptive devices and equipment, brochopulmonary hygiene, debridement and wound care, physical agents and mechanical modalities, therapeutic massage, electrotherapeutic modalities, and patient-related instruction; prevention of injury, impairments, functional limitations, and disability including the promotion and maintenance of fitness, health, and quality of life in all age populations; and consultation, education, and research.

EMG/NCS Testing uses electricity and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound uses sound waves for the evaluation (testing and measurement) of the neuro-musculoskeletal system.

APTA fully supports PTs practicing EMG/NCS Testing as it is within the scope of Physical Therapy Practice. The Orthopedic Section of the APTA in a white paper not only advocates the use of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging within the scope of practice for Physical Therapy but also endorses its application both for diagnostic as well as procedural purposes to aid neuromuscular re-education, dry needling, and electroneuromyography.

Find here information about Direct Access to Physical Therapy in your state.