How is the practice of Physical Therapy defined in Nevada?

“Physical therapy” means the specialty in the field of health which is concerned with prevention of disability and physical rehabilitation of persons having congenital or acquired disabilities.

What is included in the practice of physical therapy?

“Practice of physical therapy”:

• The performing and interpreting of tests and measurements as an aid to evaluation or treatment;
• The planning of initial and subsequent programs of treatment on the basis of the results of tests;
• The administering of treatment through the use of therapeutic exercise and massage, the mobilization of joints by the use of therapeutic exercise without chiropractic adjustment, mechanical devices, and therapeutic agents which employ the properties of air, water, electricity, sound and radiant energy; and
• The performance of dry needling, if a physical therapist is qualified to do so.

Which services are specifically excluded from the scope of practice?

The diagnosis of physical disabilities; the use of roentgenic rays or radium; the use of electricity for cauterization or surgery; the occupation of a masseur who massages only the superficial soft tissues of the body; and PTs may not diagnose, prescribe for, treat or advise a patient on any problem outside the licensee’s field of the practice of physical therapy.

Are there any specific procedures or modalities regulated by the board?

See Nevada PT Dry Needling.

Reference

NRS 640.022

NRS 640.024

NAC 640.550