
Clinical Patient Assessment
The clinical evaluation of a patient by a physiotherapist is a process that involves the systematic collection of information and data analysis to determine the patient’s condition and design an appropriate treatment plan. This process includes various stages and utilizes different techniques and tools to achieve a comprehensive assessment.
Collection of Medical History: The physiotherapist begins with taking a detailed history from the patient, which includes information about the current problem, previous injuries, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors that may affect the patient’s health.
Pain Assessment: The physiotherapist evaluates the intensity, duration, type, and location of pain. Various pain scales, such as the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), are used for this purpose.
Observation and Inspection: The observation of body posture, movement, and the morphology of muscles and joints is conducted. The inspection may reveal asymmetries, swellings, or other visible abnormalities.
Palpation: Through touch, the physiotherapist examines tissues to detect areas of tenderness, temperature, swelling, or muscle tension.
Mobility and Range of Motion Assessment: The range of motion of joints and muscle flexibility is measured using tools such as a goniometer.
Muscle Strength and Endurance: The strength and endurance of muscles are assessed through specific strength and endurance tests, such as Manual Muscle Testing (MMT).
Neurological Assessment: The examination of neurological functions, including reflexes, sensory perception, and nerve conduction, is carried out.
Functional Assessment: The patient's ability to perform daily activities and specific functional movements, such as walking, descending stairs, or lifting objects, is evaluated.
Special Tests and Assessment Methods: Special tests are used to diagnose specific conditions or injuries, such as tests for ligament, tendon, or nerve assessment.
A comprehensive clinical evaluation allows the physiotherapist to understand the full picture of the patient’s condition, identify the underlying causes of problems, and design a personalized treatment plan aimed at improving the patient’s health and functionality.