The Physical Therapy Examination
The
physical therapist takes a history performing systems review, and administers
special tests to determine the status of the musculoskeletal, neurological,
cardiovascular, pulmonary and integumentary systems, and any activity
restrictions. Some of these tests include:
Aerobic Capacity and Endurance to measure the ability to
perform work or participate in activities over time using the body’s
oxygen uptake and delivery and energy release mechanisms, and to indicate
the degree of impairment and functional limitation.
Gait and Balance to assess alterations in gait, locomotion, and
balance that may lead to a decline of mobility and functional independence
or an increased incidence of falls.
Motor Function to assess the ability to learn or demonstrate the
skillful and efficient control of voluntary posture, and movement patterns.
Muscle Performance to assess strength, power, and endurance, and
to determine the ability to produce movements that are prerequisites for
functional activity.
Ventilation and Circulation Examination to assess whether an adequate
ventilator pump, oxygen uptake, and oxygen delivery system is availabale
to perform activities of daily living, ambulation, and aerobic exercise.
Integumentary Integrity Examination to assess the health of the
skin.
Based on the examination findings, the physical therapist establishes a diagnosis (primary activity restriction toward which therapy will be directed) and prognosis (optimal outcomes expected from therapy, with timelines). The physical therapist then establishes a plan of care that includes specific interventions designed to produce changes in the patient’s condition in order to achieve the desired outcomes.
Common Conditions for Physical Therapy
In addition to providing primary prevention, physical
conditioning and wellness, Physical Therapists evaluate and treat movement
dysfunctions and enhance physical abilities of people with known disease
or injury. Some of the common conditions for which physical therapist
provide rehabilitative treatments include:
Arthritic conditions, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cardiopulmonary and circulatory conditions, such as ischemic heart
disease, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
lymphedema, and peripheral vascular disorders.
Joint and soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and dislocations,
and pre- and post-surgical conditions.
Neurologic conditions, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury,
Parkinson’s, disease, cerebral palsy, peripheral nerve injury, and
multiple sclerosis.
Orthopedic conditions, such as mechanical low back and neck pain,
headaches, and osteoporosis.
Sports injuries, such as overuse injuries and trauma in recreational
and professional athletes.
Physical deconditioning secondary to systemic disease.
Workplace injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cumulative
trauma, and back pain.
Integumentary conditions, such as burns, ulcers, and wounds.
Physicians: Provide the therapist with a referral that
includes:
Patient Name
Medical Record Number
Medical Diagnosis
Reason for referral, precautions, and any special instructions
Referral may be delivered to the Physical Therapist via fax, phone, or
presentation at initial appointment by patient
Pre-printed prescription forms available
upon request.
