What is a Physical Therapy Evaluation?
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What is a Physical Therapy Evaluation?

A systematic physical therapy evaluation starts with a clinical examination that includes a patient history, system review, and objective data collection. The physical therapist then communicates their findings in an evaluation, which is followed by a prescribed plan of care (POC). Remember that an evaluation cannot be completed unless the patient is thoroughly examined. Preliminary…

Dermatomes
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Dermatomes

Overview The term “dermatome” is a combination of two Greek words: “derma” meaning “skin” & “tome” meaning “cutting” or “thin segment”. Dermatomes are areas of the skin whose sensory distribution is innervated by afferent nerve fibers from the dorsal root of a single spinal nerve root, which is the portion of a peripheral nerve that…

Egawa’s Sign: A Simple Test for Ulnar Nerve Palsy

Egawa’s Sign: A Simple Test for Ulnar Nerve Palsy

What is an Egawa’s Sign? The ulnar nerve is a crucial nerve in the arm, responsible for providing sensation and motor control to the little finger and half of the ring finger. When this nerve is damaged, it can lead to a condition called ulnar nerve palsy. This can cause weakness, numbness, and tingling in…

Coleman Block Test of Ankle Joint

Coleman Block Test of Ankle Joint

Introduction The Coleman Block Test assesses forefoot pronation and hindfoot flexibility. The forefoot has the initial malformation, whereas the hindfoot alters later. The test involves placing the patient’s foot on a 2.5–4 cm thick wood block, allowing the first, second, and third metatarsals to hang freely into plantar flexion and pronation, and placing the patient’s…

Squeeze Test of Ankle

Squeeze Test of Ankle

Introduction The squeeze test is a physical assessment test used to evaluate the integrity of the syndesmosis, a joint between the tibia and fibula bones of the lower leg. Syndesmotic sprains, or injury to the ligaments supporting the syndesmosis, are frequently diagnosed with it. Purpose The squeeze test is intended to assist in the diagnosis…

Anterior Drawer Test of Ankle Joint

Anterior Drawer Test of Ankle Joint

Introduction The Anterior Drawer Test of Ankle Joint is a physical examination test used to assess the integrity of the lateral collateral ligaments of the ankle, specifically the anterior talofibular ligament. It is one of the most common tests used to diagnose ankle sprains. Specifically, the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and posterior…

Knee to Wall Test

Knee to Wall Test

Introduction The Knee to Wall Test is a simple and useful way to measure your ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. It is a common test utilized by physical therapists and other healthcare specialists to assess ankle mobility and function. Purpose An evaluation of the dorsiflexion range of movement (DROM) at the ankle joint is done…

Homan Sign

Homan Sign

What is the Homan sign? The Homan sign is a clinical finding of discomfort behind the knee when the foot is forcibly dorsiflexed. This sign was first published in 1994 by American physician John Homans and has usually been conducted as part of the physical examination in persons with suspected lower extremity deep vein thrombosis…

Y Balance Test

Y Balance Test

Introduction The Y Balance Test is a functional assessment test used to measure an individual’s balance, strength, and neuromuscular control in sports medicine, physical therapy, and fitness. This exam has the purpose of evaluating the stability and coordination of the lower extremities, namely the legs and ankles. It is frequently used as part of a…