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Clinical Practice Guidelines

The American Physical Therapy Association supports evidence-based practice to reduce unwarranted variation in care and improve the value of physical therapist services.

APTA provides its members with relevant clinical practice guidelines, which are based on a systematic review of the evidence. APTA, APTA academies and sections, and other health care associations, organizations, and societies publish the CPGs. APTA does not endorse any of these guidelines unless specifically noted.

The guidelines assist in clinical decision-making, not to take the place of clinician judgment. A team of experts conducts a CPG+ analysis on some of the CPGs — a translation aid for applying the guidelines to practice, including Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II.

APTA supports the development of CPGs.

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Pain: Assessment, Non-Opioid Treatment Approaches and Opioid Management, 8th Edition, Version 2

August 1, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: Adult (25-44), 80 and over (80+), Young Adult (19-24), Middle Aged (45-64), Aged (65+), Adolescent (13-18)
Condition & Symptoms: Chronic Pain

American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association and the Heart Rhythm Society: Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Patients With Syncope

August 1, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: 80 and over (80+), Adult (25-44), Child (6-12), Young Adult (19-24), Middle Aged (45-64), Aged (65+), Adolescent (13-18)
Condition & Symptoms: Cardiac Conditions

UK: Parkinson’s Disease in Adults

July 19, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: Adult (25-44), Middle Aged (45-64), Aged (65+), Young Adult (19-24)
Condition & Symptoms: Parkinson Disease

APTA Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy: Neck Pain: Revision 2017

July 1, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: Adolescent (13-18), Young Adult (19-24), Adult (25-44), Middle Aged (45-64), Aged (65+)
Condition & Symptoms: Neck Pain

Cardiac Rehabilitation [SIGN 150]

July 1, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: 80 and over (80+), Middle Aged (45-64), Adult (25-44), Aged (65+)
Condition & Symptoms: Cardiac Conditions

APTA Oncology: Diagnosis of Upper-Quadrant Lymphedema Secondary to Cancer (CPG+)

July 1, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: Adult (25-44), Middle Aged (45-64), Aged (65+)
Condition & Symptoms: Cancer, Lymphedema

IDF Clinical Practice Recommendations on the Diabetic Foot 2017: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals

June 21, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: Aged (65+), Young Adult (19-24), Middle Aged (45-64), Adult (25-44), 80 and over (80+)
Condition & Symptoms: Diabetes Complications, Foot Conditions

Spondyloarthritis in Over 16s: Diagnosis and Management [NICE NG65]

June 2, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: Young Adult (19-24), Middle Aged (45-64), Aged (65+), Adult (25-44)
Condition & Symptoms: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Osteoarthritis

APTA Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy: Hip Pain and Mobility Deficits—Hip Osteoarthritis: Revision 2017 (CPG+)

May 31, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: Adult (25-44), Middle Aged (45-64), Aged (65+)
Condition & Symptoms: Hip Conditions, Osteoarthritis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Adults: Diagnosis and Management [NICE CG163] [Updated]

May 23, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: Aged (65+), Middle Aged (45-64), Adult (25-44), 80 and over (80+)
Condition & Symptoms: Lung Conditions, Respiratory Conditions, Thoracic Conditions

British Thoracic Society Guideline for Oxygen Use in Adults in Healthcare and Emergency Settings

May 15, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: Adult (25-44), Middle Aged (45-64), Aged (65+), 80 and over (80+)
Condition & Symptoms: Critical Illness

American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria® Suspected Physical Abuse—Child

May 1, 2017 | CPG

Patient Age: Child (6-12), Preschool Child (2-5)