Physiotherapy is a health science that studies, prevents and treats functional kinetic disorders occurring in organs and systems of the human body. A crucial part of physiotherapy is the diagnosis and physical examination, which are essential for making a physiotherapeutic diagnosis. This chapter explores the diagnosis and physical examination in physical therapy, with an emphasis on developing the physical therapy diagnosis.
Diagnosis in physiotherapy is a decision-making process based on clinical assessment, which includes physical examination. The objective is to identify dysfunctions that can be treated with physiotherapy. This diagnosis is different from a medical diagnosis, which identifies a specific disease or condition. Physiotherapy diagnosis focuses on the patient's functional limitations and quality of life.
To make a physical therapy diagnosis, the physical therapist must perform a physical examination. This examination involves a systematic and detailed assessment of the patient, including visual inspection, palpation, assessment of joint mobility and muscle strength, and assessment of pain and function. The physical examination may also include special tests to evaluate neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular function.
Visual inspection is the first step of the physical examination. The physical therapist observes the patient to identify any visible abnormalities such as deformities, swelling, changes in skin color, changes in posture, and abnormal movement patterns. Palpation is used to assess skin texture, temperature, presence of pain, muscle tension and tissue mobility. Assessment of joint mobility and muscle strength helps identify any limitations in movement and strength that may be contributing to the patient's dysfunction.
Special tests are used to evaluate the function of specific body systems. For example, neurological tests may include assessment of reflexes, sensitivity and muscle strength. Breathing tests may include assessing lung capacity and breathing efficiency. Cardiovascular testing may include assessment of blood pressure and heart rate.
Based on the results of the physical examination, the physiotherapist can then develop a physiotherapeutic diagnosis. This diagnosis identifies the main dysfunctions that are contributing to the patient's functional limitation and guides the treatment plan. The physical therapy diagnosis may change over time as the patient responds to treatment.
In conclusion, diagnosis and physical examination are essential components of physical therapy. They allow the physiotherapist to identify the dysfunctions that are contributing to the patient's functional limitation and prepare a physiotherapeutic diagnosis. This diagnosis, in turn, guides the treatment plan and helps monitor the patient's response to treatment.
