Physical Therapy Diagnosis: Evaluation & Treatment

Physical therapy diagnoses identify impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities, and it requires a comprehensive evaluation to form. Musculoskeletal conditions, such as sprains and strains, represent common diagnoses in physical therapy. Neurological disorders, including stroke and multiple sclerosis, also fall within the scope of physical therapy diagnosis. These diagnoses guides the development of a personalized treatment plan aimed at improving a patient’s movement, function, and overall quality of life.

Alright, let’s dive into the awesome world of physical therapy! You know, that field where people like me (and maybe you, someday!) help folks get back to doing what they love, whether it’s running a marathon, gardening, or just chasing after their grandkids. Physical therapy, or PT as we cool kids call it, is a vital part of healthcare focused on helping people move better, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life. We’re not just about rubbing muscles; we’re about understanding the body’s mechanics and how to fix them when they go a little haywire.

Now, here’s the kicker: you can’t fix what you don’t understand, right? That’s why accurate diagnosis is the absolute bedrock of effective physical therapy. Think of it like this: if your car is making a weird noise, you wouldn’t just randomly start replacing parts, would you? No, you’d take it to a mechanic who can pinpoint the exact problem. Same deal with PT! A correct diagnosis is essential for crafting a treatment plan that actually works and leads to the best possible results for our patients.

So, how do we figure out what’s going on? Well, the diagnostic process in physical therapy involves a few key steps. First, there’s a thorough evaluation: we’re talking history taking, physical examination, and sometimes even special tests. Then, we put on our detective hats to analyze the data and identify the underlying cause of the problem. After that we need to find the most optimal treatment plan for the patient. Sounds pretty straightforward, right?

Of course, we’re not lone wolves out here. Collaboration is key! We frequently work closely with doctors, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to ensure our patients receive the most comprehensive and coordinated care possible. Together, we are all like the body’s pit crew ready to optimize and keep the patient firing on all cylinders!

A Spectrum of Conditions: Exploring the Categories Treated by Physical Therapists

Physical therapists are like the Swiss Army knives of the healthcare world, tackling a ridiculously wide array of conditions. You might think they just deal with sports injuries or post-surgery rehab, but that’s just scratching the surface! Let’s dive into the diverse categories of ailments these movement maestros help patients overcome.

Musculoskeletal Conditions: When Bones, Muscles, and Joints Complain

Musculoskeletal conditions are basically anything that messes with your ability to move and groove. Think of it as the body’s internal construction crew going on strike! These conditions affect your bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. They can be caused by injury, overuse, or just plain bad luck. Here are a few common culprits:

• Low Back Pain: The king of musculoskeletal complaints! Affecting nearly everyone at some point, it can range from a dull ache to a debilitating throb.
• Neck Pain: Sitting at a desk all day? Your neck might be screaming for help.
• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: When the tendons in your shoulder get squeezed, leading to pain and limited movement.
• Rotator Cuff Tears: Ouch! Tears in the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint can be quite painful and limit your range.
• Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): As the name implies, this is when your shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, like it’s been glued shut.
• Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): Not just for tennis players! This condition causes pain on the outside of the elbow.
• Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow): Similar to tennis elbow, but the pain is on the inside of the elbow.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: When the median nerve in your wrist gets compressed, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in your hand and fingers.
• Hip Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear on the hip joint can cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement.
• Knee Osteoarthritis: Similar to hip osteoarthritis, but affecting the knee joint.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury: A common sports injury involving a tear of the ACL in the knee.
• Meniscal Tears: Tears in the cartilage of the knee can cause pain, swelling, and locking of the joint.
• Ankle Sprains: Rolling your ankle can stretch or tear the ligaments, leading to pain, swelling, and instability.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Heel pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot.
• Muscle Strains: Overstretching or tearing a muscle can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement.
• Scoliosis: A curvature of the spine that can lead to pain, postural problems, and breathing difficulties.
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction: Pain and stiffness in the SI joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Problems with the jaw joint can cause pain, clicking, and difficulty chewing.

Neurological Conditions: When the Body’s Wiring Goes Haywire

Neurological conditions affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Think of it as the body’s electrical system having a meltdown! These conditions can impact movement, sensation, balance, and coordination. Here are some examples:

• Stroke (CVA): Damage to the brain caused by a disruption of blood flow.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Damage to the brain caused by an external force.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): Damage to the spinal cord, which can lead to paralysis and loss of sensation.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A chronic disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.
• Parkinson’s Disease: A progressive disorder that affects movement.
• Cerebral Palsy (CP): A group of disorders that affect movement and coordination, caused by brain damage during development.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness.
• Bell’s Palsy: A sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles.
• Vestibular Disorders (BPPV): Problems with the inner ear that can cause dizziness and balance problems.
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disorder that affects the nerves.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons.

Cardiopulmonary Conditions: When the Heart and Lungs Need a Helping Hand

Cardiopulmonary conditions affect the heart and lungs, impacting your ability to breathe and circulate blood. Think of it as the body’s engine sputtering and coughing! These conditions can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance. Check out these examples:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.
• Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs.
• Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways.
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): A condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
• Post-Myocardial Infarction (Post-MI) Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation after a heart attack.
• Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation after heart bypass surgery.
• Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system.

Integumentary Conditions: When Skin Deep Isn’t So Shallow

Integumentary conditions affect the skin and underlying tissues. Think of it as the body’s protective armor getting damaged! These conditions can range from minor irritations to serious wounds that require specialized care.

• Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores): Sores that develop on the skin due to prolonged pressure.
• Diabetic Ulcers: Sores that develop on the feet of people with diabetes.
• Burns: Injuries to the skin caused by heat, chemicals, or radiation.
• Wound Care: Management of various types of wounds to promote healing.
• Lymphedema: Swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid.

Pediatric Conditions: Helping Little Ones Thrive

Pediatric conditions affect infants and children, impacting their development and ability to move and play. Think of it as giving little bodies a boost to reach their full potential! These conditions often require specialized care and a playful approach.

• Torticollis (Wry Neck): A condition in which the neck muscles are tight, causing the head to tilt to one side.
• Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome): A flattening of the skull in infants.
• Developmental Delay: When a child does not reach developmental milestones at the expected age.
• Spina Bifida: A birth defect in which the spinal cord does not close completely.
• Muscular Dystrophy: A group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness.
• Down Syndrome: A genetic disorder that causes intellectual disability and physical abnormalities.
• Brachial Plexus Injury (Erb’s Palsy): Damage to the nerves that control movement and sensation in the arm and hand.

Geriatric Conditions: Keeping Seniors Active and Independent

Geriatric conditions are common in the elderly population, impacting their mobility, balance, and overall quality of life. Think of it as helping seniors stay active and independent so they can continue to enjoy life to the fullest!

• Osteoporosis: A condition in which the bones become weak and brittle.
• Balance Disorders: Problems with balance that can lead to falls.
• Fall Risk: Assessing and addressing factors that increase the risk of falls.
• Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints, causing pain and stiffness.
• Joint Replacements: Rehabilitation after joint replacement surgery.
• Dementia-Related Movement Disorders: Movement problems associated with dementia.

Unveiling the Signs: Common Impairments and Symptoms Addressed in Physical Therapy

Ever wondered what a physical therapist really looks for when they’re evaluating you? It’s not just about pinpointing a diagnosis; it’s about understanding how your body is actually moving (or not moving!) and what’s stopping you from doing the things you love. We’re like detectives, piecing together clues to understand the full picture of your impairments and how they’re impacting your life. Here’s a sneak peek into the common signs we look for:

Muscle Weakness: When Strength Takes a Vacation

Think of your muscles as tiny engines powering every move you make. Now, imagine those engines running on fumes. That’s muscle weakness in a nutshell. It can creep in for tons of reasons – maybe you’ve been sidelined after surgery, or a neurological condition is playing tricks on your nerves. Whatever the cause, muscle weakness can make everyday tasks feel like climbing Mount Everest. Simple things like lifting groceries, getting out of a chair, or even holding a cup of coffee become a Herculean effort. Physical therapists work to rebuild that strength with targeted exercises and strategies to get you back to feeling powerful!

Limited Range of Motion (ROM): The Stuck Joint Blues

Ever tried reaching for something on a high shelf only to feel a sharp twinge? Or felt like your neck is practically cemented in place after a long day? That’s limited range of motion talking. It’s like your joints have decided to throw a lockdown party, restricting how far you can move. ROM limitations can stem from things like arthritis (that grumpy old house guest), scar tissue after an injury, or even just plain old inactivity. A physical therapist can help unlock those joints with a variety of techniques, from gentle stretches to hands-on mobilization, helping you reclaim your flexibility and freedom of movement.

Balance Deficits: Wobbling Through Life

Balance, my friend, is everything. It’s the silent conductor orchestrating our every step, preventing us from toppling over like a house of cards in a windstorm. But what happens when that conductor loses their baton? Enter balance deficits. These can arise from inner ear problems (your body’s gyroscope), neurological conditions, or even just age-related changes. Suddenly, walking feels like navigating a tightrope, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Physical therapists are balance gurus, using specialized exercises and strategies to improve your stability and confidence on your feet.

Gait Abnormalities: When Walking Goes Wrong

Walking, which seems effortless, can become difficult. If you are compensating for a gait abnormality that could be leading to other issues in your body. From limps to shuffling steps, physical therapists have seen it all and are there to help.

Incoordination: The Fine Motor Fumble

Imagine trying to thread a needle with oven mitts on – that’s the daily reality for someone struggling with incoordination. This sneaky impairment messes with your fine motor skills, making tasks that require precision and control feel frustratingly difficult. Conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy, or even just general muscle weakness can throw off your coordination, impacting everything from writing and buttoning your shirt to playing a musical instrument. Physical therapists use targeted exercises and activities to retrain your brain and muscles, helping you regain your dexterity and coordination.

Pain: The Unwanted Guest

Ah, pain. The most unwelcome of guests. Whether it’s a sharp stab, a dull ache, or a burning sensation, pain can completely derail your life. It can arise from injuries, inflammation, nerve damage, or even just mysterious, unexplained sources. Physical therapists are pain management experts, using a variety of techniques to alleviate discomfort, restore function, and help you reclaim control over your body. They understand that pain is complex and work with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses the underlying causes and empowers you to manage your symptoms effectively.

Edema: The Swelling Saga

Think of edema, or swelling, as your body’s way of crying out for help. It’s the build-up of excess fluid in your tissues, causing puffiness, discomfort, and limited movement. Edema can result from injuries, infections, heart or kidney problems, or even just prolonged sitting or standing. Physical therapists use techniques like manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, and targeted exercises to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and get you back to feeling like yourself again.

Postural Dysfunction: The Slouch That Hurts

Are you reading this slumped over your computer screen? Chances are, you’re no stranger to postural dysfunction. Poor posture, whether it’s from hunching over desks, craning your neck at your phone, or just plain old habit, can wreak havoc on your body. It can lead to muscle imbalances, pain, stiffness, and even breathing difficulties. Physical therapists are posture police, helping you identify and correct those slouching habits with exercises, stretches, and ergonomic advice. They’ll help you stand tall, feel confident, and protect your body from the long-term effects of poor posture.

The PT’s Toolkit: Diagnostic Tools and Procedures Explained

Ever wonder what really happens during a physical therapy evaluation? It’s not just poking and prodding (though there might be a little of that!). It’s a comprehensive investigation, a bit like a detective piecing together clues to solve the mystery of your pain or limited movement. Physical therapists have a whole arsenal of tools and techniques they use to understand what’s going on. Let’s pull back the curtain and take a look at some of the tricks of the trade, shall we?

Unlocking the Story: The Patient History

Imagine walking into your first PT appointment. The therapist doesn’t just immediately start bending you into pretzel shapes (hopefully!). They begin by having a chat. This patient history is crucial. It’s where you get to tell your story:

• What happened?
• When did it start?
• What makes it better or worse?
• What are your goals?

Think of it as the foundation upon which the entire treatment plan is built. A good PT will listen carefully, ask insightful questions, and truly hear what you have to say. After all, you know your body best!

The Art of Observation and Touch: The Physical Examination

Next up is the physical examination, where the PT becomes a movement detective. This involves several key components:

• Observation: They’ll watch you move, assessing your posture, gait, and overall movement patterns. Are you favoring one side? Is your shoulder hiked up? These visual cues can be incredibly informative.
• Palpation: This is where the poking and prodding come in – but in a good way! Palpation involves using their hands to feel for tissue abnormalities, muscle tightness, tenderness, and inflammation. They’re essentially “reading” your body with their fingertips.
• Movement Assessment: They’ll guide you through a series of movements to assess your range of motion, strength, and coordination. This helps identify specific limitations and pain triggers.

The Special Test Arsenal

Now for the cool stuff! Special tests are like little diagnostic challenges designed to assess specific structures or conditions. These tests often have quirky names, but they provide valuable information. Here are a couple of examples:

• Lachman’s Test: This one’s for checking the integrity of your ACL (the ligament that keeps your knee from wobbling).
• Hawkins-Kennedy Test: This helps determine if you have shoulder impingement (when tendons in your shoulder get pinched).

These tests, combined with the rest of the evaluation, help narrow down the possible causes of your symptoms.

Feeling is Believing: The Power of Palpation

Let’s dive deeper into palpation. This isn’t just a random poke. Skilled PTs use palpation to identify very specific things:

• Tissue Texture: Are your muscles ropey and tight, or soft and pliable?
• Tenderness: Where exactly does it hurt when they press?
• Anatomical Landmarks: Finding bony landmarks helps them orient themselves and identify the right structures.

Measuring Up: Goniometry

Goniometry sounds complicated, but it’s simply the process of measuring joint angles using a tool called a goniometer. Think of it as a protractor for your body! It provides objective data on your range of motion (ROM), helping to track progress over time.

How Strong Are You? Manual Muscle Testing

Manual muscle testing (MMT) is exactly what it sounds like: testing the strength of individual muscles by having you resist their force. The PT will assign a grade (usually on a scale of 0 to 5) based on how much resistance you can overcome. This helps identify muscle weakness and imbalances.

Checking the Wires: Neurological Testing

If your symptoms suggest a neurological component, the PT will perform a neurological examination. This includes:

• Sensory Testing: Checking your ability to feel light touch, pain, and temperature.
• Motor Testing: Assessing your muscle strength and coordination.
• Reflex Assessment: Tapping on your tendons to see if your reflexes are normal.

On Your Feet: Balance and Gait Assessment

How you balance and walk (your gait) are essential indicators of your overall function. PTs use a variety of tests to assess these:

• Romberg Test: Standing with your eyes closed to assess balance.
• Gait Analysis: Observing your walking pattern to identify abnormalities like limping or shuffling.

The Big Picture: Review of Imaging Results

While physical therapists don’t diagnose from imaging, they absolutely consider X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. They use these images to get a better understanding of the underlying structures and rule out certain conditions. Important Note: PTs interpret imaging in the context of their examination findings. Imaging is a piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.

Tracking Progress: Outcome Measures

Finally, outcome measures are standardized tools like questionnaires and functional tests that track your progress over time. These help determine if the treatment is working and allow the PT to adjust the plan as needed.

So, there you have it: a peek inside the PT’s diagnostic toolkit. It’s a blend of careful listening, skillful hands-on assessment, and objective measurement. Remember, the goal is always to get a clear understanding of your condition so you can get back to doing what you love!

Foundational Principles: Key Concepts Guiding Physical Therapy Diagnosis and Treatment

Physical therapy isn’t just about rubbing some muscles and sending you on your way! There’s a whole philosophy underpinning what we do. It’s like the secret sauce that makes everything work. So, what are these underlying principles that guide a physical therapist’s brain? Let’s dive in!

Differential Diagnosis: The Sherlock Holmes of Healthcare

Ever watched a detective movie where the main character has to rule out suspects one by one? That’s differential diagnosis in a nutshell! Imagine you come in with shoulder pain. Is it a rotator cuff tear? Maybe it’s shoulder impingement? Or perhaps something else entirely?

A physical therapist uses differential diagnosis to carefully consider all the possibilities, weighing the evidence from your history, physical exam, and special tests to narrow down the most likely culprit. It is key, because the wrong diagnosis leads to ineffective treatment.

Evidence-Based Practice: No Guesswork Here!

Gone are the days of “I think this might work.” Today, PTs rely on evidence-based practice. This means using the best available research to inform clinical decisions. We’re talking about reading studies, analyzing data, and figuring out what treatments have been proven to be most effective for specific conditions.

It’s like having a cheat sheet of proven strategies, ensuring you’re getting the most up-to-date and effective care possible. Think of it as taking advice from a seasoned expert who has the research to back it up!

Rehabilitation: Restoring Your Superpowers

Okay, so you’ve had an injury or illness and aren’t quite feeling yourself? That’s where rehabilitation comes in. Rehabilitation is the process of restoring function, reducing disability, and helping you get back to doing the things you love.

Whether it’s regaining strength after surgery, improving balance after a stroke, or simply getting back to gardening without pain, rehab is all about maximizing your potential and helping you live your life to the fullest. We want you feeling like your old self and then some.

Prevention: An Ounce of Prevention…

They say prevention is better than cure, and we couldn’t agree more! Physical therapists are not just fixers; they’re also prevention specialists. We help you identify risk factors for injuries and develop strategies to stay healthy and active.

This could involve teaching you proper lifting techniques, designing an exercise program to strengthen weak muscles, or simply providing advice on how to set up your workstation to avoid pain. The goal is to keep you moving and enjoying life for years to come.

Wellness: Beyond Just “Not Sick”

Wellness is more than just the absence of disease. It’s about adopting healthy habits that support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Physical therapists play a crucial role in promoting wellness by encouraging patients to adopt healthy lifestyles.

This can include everything from regular exercise and proper nutrition to stress management and mindfulness techniques. We believe that taking care of your body is an investment in your overall health and happiness.

Diving Deep: Exploring the Many Worlds Within Physical Therapy

Ever thought of physical therapy as just helping athletes recover from injuries? Well, buckle up, because there’s a whole universe of specialized care within the field, each designed to cater to different needs and help people live their best lives! It’s like a superhero squad, but instead of capes, they wield exercise bands and expert knowledge.

• Sports Physical Therapy: Getting Athletes Back in the Game

  Injuries can sideline even the most dedicated athletes. Sports physical therapists are the go-to experts for athletes, focusing on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement. They understand the demands of various sports and design specific programs to get athletes back in the game stronger than ever!

• Orthopedic Physical Therapy: Mending Bones, Joints, and Muscles

  Orthopedic PTs are the masters of musculoskeletal mayhem. They specialize in treating conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Whether it’s a fracture, sprain, strain, arthritis, or post-operative recovery, these pros have got your back (and your knees, shoulders, etc.).

• Neurologic Physical Therapy: Rewiring the Nervous System

  When neurological conditions like stroke, spinal cord injury, or multiple sclerosis impact movement and function, neurologic physical therapists step in. They help patients relearn motor skills, improve balance, and regain independence. Think of them as the architects of neural recovery!

• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy: Breathing Easier and Strengthening Hearts

  Heart and lung conditions can significantly impact quality of life. Cardiovascular and pulmonary PTs work with patients who have COPD, heart failure, or are recovering from heart surgery. They develop exercise programs to improve endurance, strengthen the heart, and help patients breathe easier.

• Geriatric Physical Therapy: Promoting Mobility and Independence in Older Adults

  As we age, maintaining mobility and independence becomes increasingly important. Geriatric PTs focus on the elderly population, addressing age-related conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and balance disorders. Their goal is to help older adults stay active, prevent falls, and enjoy a fulfilling life.

• Pediatric Physical Therapy: Nurturing Development in Infants and Children

  Pediatric PTs are the champions of childhood movement! They work with infants and children with developmental delays, disabilities, and injuries. From helping babies learn to roll over to assisting children with cerebral palsy improve their motor skills, they play a vital role in nurturing development.

• Wound Management: Healing from the Outside In

  Wound management PTs specialize in the care of wounds, such as pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and burns. They use various techniques to promote healing, prevent infection, and minimize scarring.

• Lymphedema Management: Reducing Swelling and Improving Circulation

  Lymphedema is a condition characterized by swelling due to lymphatic system dysfunction. Lymphedema management PTs use manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, and exercise to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and help patients manage their condition.

• Vestibular Rehabilitation: Finding Balance and Banishing Dizziness

  Dizziness and balance problems can be debilitating. Vestibular rehabilitation PTs treat these disorders, which are often caused by problems with the inner ear. They use specific exercises and techniques to retrain the brain and improve balance.

• Pain Management: Taming the Beast of Chronic Pain

  Chronic pain can significantly impact quality of life. Pain management PTs use various techniques, such as manual therapy, exercise, and education, to reduce pain, improve function, and help patients regain control over their lives.

Expanding the Scope: Additional Concepts in Modern Physical Therapy

Physical therapy isn’t just about stretches and weights, folks! It’s a field that’s constantly evolving and embracing new technologies and approaches. Let’s peek at some other areas that are becoming increasingly important in the PT world.

Assistive Technology: Leveling the Playing Field

Ever heard of assistive technology? Think of it as tools and gadgets that help people with disabilities live more independently and participate more fully in life. We’re talking everything from customized wheelchairs and adaptive utensils to sophisticated communication devices and computer software.

Now, why is this a big deal in rehab? Because assistive technology can be a total game-changer! It can help patients regain lost function, compensate for impairments, and achieve a level of independence they might not have thought possible. Imagine someone with limited hand function being able to use a special keyboard to write emails or someone with mobility issues using a powered wheelchair to explore their neighborhood. That’s the power of assistive technology!

PTs play a crucial role in evaluating patients’ needs, recommending appropriate devices, and training them on how to use them effectively. It’s all about finding the right tools to help people live their best lives.

Ergonomics: Creating a Body-Friendly World

Okay, let’s talk about ergonomics. In simplest terms, it’s about designing workspaces, products, and tasks to fit the human body and mind. The goal? To reduce the risk of injury and improve comfort, efficiency, and overall well-being. Think about having a properly adjusted chair at your computer, or the way tools are designed to fit comfortably in your hand.

Why is ergonomics important in rehab and injury prevention? Here’s the deal: poor ergonomics can wreak havoc on our bodies over time. Repetitive motions, awkward postures, and poorly designed workspaces can lead to muscle strains, joint pain, and other musculoskeletal problems. Think carpal tunnel syndrome from typing all day or back pain from lifting heavy boxes incorrectly.

PTs are often called upon to assess workplaces, identify ergonomic risk factors, and recommend changes to prevent injuries. They can also help patients with existing ergonomic-related injuries recover and learn strategies to avoid future problems. It’s all about creating a world that’s a little kinder to our bodies, one workstation at a time.

So, there you have it! A little peek into the world of physical therapy diagnoses. Hopefully, this gives you a better idea of what your PT is looking for when they’re poking and prodding. Remember, this isn’t medical advice, so always chat with your healthcare provider for personalized help!