What’s involved in a physical examination?

When you have an issue, it is extremely difficult for us (physios and other medical professionals) to diagnosis it without more context.

A physical examination is a comprehensive assessment which gives us a better picture of your issue.

This involves:

• Reviewing your history

  • Knowing how the injury started or appeared gives us direction on the nature of the issue.

  • Sudden Onset / Trauma V.S Gradual onset / Lifestyle Overuse issues

• Subjective Observations and Symptom Analysis

  • What you feel can help clarify the diagnosis

  • Pain? Changes in sensation? Weakness? Stiffness? Tingling / Pin & Needles?

• Measuring Range of Motion

  • Comparing how you move with anatomical standards allows you to see what YOU need to improve on

• Differential Diagnosis Testing

  • Also known as “Special Test”, physios are trained to use specific tests to confirm and properly diagnosis issues.

• Functional Outcome Measurements

  • Recording before and after to compare and see your personal improvement

  • Strength, Power Production, Lifting Capacity, Endurance of common tasks.

When you see your health care provider, it is essential that they have some sort of examination to properly diagnose the issue. Majority of issues that we see as physios will involve movement. Be prepared to move and be moved when you come to see us. This is our bread and butter.

If you are keen for a physical assessment of your niggling issue, click here to book us or contact us on 0402 832 329.