Basic Tools to Start Home Care Physical Therapy Services

     Before a Physical Therapist can offer Home Care Services, he/she should have the basic tools needed to assess and treat a patient. Here is a list of the most essential and easy to find one:


1. Stethoscope

A stethoscope is used for heart and lung assessment and is also important when listening for the Korotkoff's sound during blodd pressure assessment. You can buy this from local medical supplies stores.


2. Sphygmomanometer

     A sphygmomanometer is used to assess for blood pressure. You can choose between an aneroid sphygmomanometer (shown in the picture) or mercury sphygmomanometer. The advantage of aneroid is its portability because of its light weight. Its disadvantage is that you always have to check if it is calibrated unlike the mercury. If you are planning to buy a mercury sphygmomanometer, make sure that it is not prohibited in the area where you are practicing because of the risk of mercury toxicity when mishandled. You can buy this from a local medical supplies store.

2. Stopwatch

     A stopwatch is essential for measuring pulse rate, respiratory rate and for timing the duration of exercise and electro/physical modalities. You can but this from sports shops.

4. Goniometer

A goniometer is used to measure joint range of motion. A smaller sized goniometer is used to measure for finger joint range of motion. You can buy this from a medical supplies store.

5. Tape Measure

A tape measure can be used for a lot of assessment purposes such as chest expansion measurement, leg length measurement, range of motion assessment of the back and spine and for assistive device and wheelchair measurement.

6. Heat Pad

A heat pad can be used for pain relief, muscle relaxation, and other therapeutic regimes. You can buy this from a medical supplies store.

7. Electrical Stimulation Unit

This can be used for pain relief, to delay muscle atrophy or for muscle re-education. You can buy this from a medical supplies store.

8. Dumbells

     Dumbells are used for upper extremity strengthening. Different weights come in different colors. You can buy this from a sports shop.

9. Theraband

A theraband can be used for upper extremity and lower extremity strengthening exercises. Available in sports shops.

10. Gait Belt

A gait belt is essential when ambulating patients for safety and prevention of falls. You can buy this from a medical supplies store.