What Should A Physical Therapist Do If A Patient Is Hiv Positive

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

Articles

Disclosing HIV Status to Patients: An HIV Positive Therapist Responds

Introduction One of the most significant issues for each psychotherapist is how to make the most disciplineduse of self while remaining empathically connected to the patient. The literature is full ofdiscussions about how not to allow the... Read more »

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Atlanta Ends Ban on HIV-Positive Massage Therapists

On Dec. 4, the Atlanta City Council unanimously voted to amend a city regulation to allow people with HIV to be licensed as massage therapists. Prior to the amendment, massage therapist applicants had to submit a physician's note stating they were... Read more »

How One Therapist Helps HIV-Positive Women Learn to Take Care of Themselves

Kesha Burch, L.C.P.C. For more than 10 years, psychotherapist Kesha Burch, L.C.P.C., has counseled HIV-positive women at the Chicago Women's AIDS Project (CWAP). Whether positive or negative, the women she counsels face similar problems, she... Read more »

Ask the Experts

Physical Therapist / Mommy Concern

Hello Dr. Frascino,I am a P.T. practicing in Colorado. I treated a patient approximately 2 years ago and he had denied HIV/STD on his health history. I treated him for a wrist injury and performed a lot of soft tissue work on his wrist and...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi.I agree with your hubby, and yes, you should use universal precautions with all patients. From a medical standpoint HIV testing is not warranted. However, if my reassurance is not sufficient for you to shake your fears, get a single HIV test to... Read more »

resp therapist need help

Hi Dr. Bob,I had a trached hiv patient 1 month ago and didn't know his status unitl after i met him. The only caontact I had with him is when I introduced myself and touched his hand. I had a small cut on my finger from the day before. My...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello Resp. Therapist,Chances are you have touched the hands of other HIV-positive people and never knew it. If, for instance, I were to meet you, would you be worried about shaking my hand?To answer your question, no, there is absolutely no risk... Read more »

Can I still work as an Occupational Therapist being positive?

I am planning on becoming an occupational therapist, but have been weary about my status coming up during the application process, and in the future, within the workplace. I know Occupational Therapy isn't nearly as invasive as being a doctor...

Response from Jacques Chambers, C.L.U.

HelpWithBenefits.com

Your HIV status should not be an issue for your proposed occupation. Should it become an issue, I encourage you to contact an AIDS Legal Services Agency in your area. Good luck, Jacques... Read more »

Can HMO Physical Exam detect HIV?

I just wanna ask if HMO Physical Exams can detect if you are a HIV positive or not. I recently had a sexual encounter last november and december. I did use a condom on both encounters but on the first one i had a scar on my penis due to the hand job...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,Most HMO physical exams can barely distinguish between dead or alive, let alone HIV poz or neg. Your HIV risk is minimal to nonexistent. If you are worried that you've placed yourself at risk, get an HIV ELISA test at the three-month mark.... Read more »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Connect With Others

Need a Massage Therapist?

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

Hello, my name is Rhiannon and I am a Certified Massage Therapist living in Pasadena, California. I am interested in becoming employed for an organization in need of a Massage Therapist for paitents diagnosed with HIV and have a need for caring,... Read more »

Depleted emmotionally and physically!!!

Posted by Anonymous, 4 Replies

I am the "It's all over folks" poster on page 5 of this forum if you want more background information.

The good news is I did test neg at about 5/6 weeks. The bad news is that I have been sick for about a month now. Never been this physically ill... Read more »

Physical symptoms keep coming back?

Posted by haley, 3 Replies

So I've been infected for about a month now. I started getting symptoms after week one and after week 2 I found out I was positive. After about 7-8 days of symptoms, I started feeling a lot better physically. I even had my appetite back and... Read more »

Recently tested positive....

Posted by RBW60, 13 Replies

Hi. A friend mentioned this site to me. I'm 46 yr old single professional (GWM). Decided it had been a while since I had a physical. During the exam I mentioned a bump on the back of my neck.. He said it was a lymphnode but I didn't have any... Read more »

Connect on Our Bulletin Boards »

Tools

My Health Tracker

Assess Your Risk for HIV

Find Local HIV/AIDS Services

Resource Centers

Guides for People With HIV

View All of Our Guides >>