Can Physical Therapists Diagnose?

Physical therapists are highly-trained professionals who diagnose and treat movement disorders. Many physiotherapists have additional neurology and orthopedics training, allowing them to diagnose a wide range of conditions. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, you must see physical therapy by Phoenix for an evaluation.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

A physical therapist (PT) is a healthcare professional who provides services to patients and clients to develop, maintain and restore maximal physical function and movement potential. PTs work with people of all ages, from newborns to the very old, who have functional problems resulting from, for example:

• injury (e.g., sport, work, motor vehicle)
• congenital anomalies
• impairments from chronic disease
• degenerative processes
• pain

A physical therapist examines each and develops a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. To do this, PTs must be able to diagnose the underlying cause of the patient’s problems.

Types of Diagnosis Physical Therapists Can Do

There are many different types of diagnoses that physical therapists in Wichita can do. These include:

Here are some methods of functional diagnosis:

• Gait Analysis: This is an assessment of how a person walks. Physical therapists can look at the person’s posture, alignment, and range of motion to identify problems.
• Postural Analysis: A person with poor posture can lead to pain and other problems. Physical therapists will check the posture and recommend exercises or other treatments to improve it.
• Range of Motion: This measures how much a person can move their joints. Physical therapists can assess a range of motion and recommend ways to improve it.
• Diagnostic Testing: It is used to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. Physical therapists can use tests like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to diagnose problems.
• Performance Diagnosis: Physical therapists assess an athlete’s movement and performance. They can identify areas of improvement and advise on ways to improve performance.

It includes:

• Biomechanical Analysis: This is the study of how the body moves. Physical therapists in Wichita can use this to assess an athlete’s movement and identify areas that need improvement.
• Functional Movement Screening: This is a series of tests that assess an athlete’s movement. It can help identify areas of weakness and imbalance.
• Performance Testing: Here, physical therapists test an athlete’s strength, power, and endurance. It can help identify areas that need improvement.

Physical therapists can also diagnose injuries. They use a variety of tests to assess pain, range of motion, and muscle strength. They then use this information to diagnose the injury and develop a treatment plan.

If you think you might have a physical therapy diagnosis, call our physical therapy by Phoenix. Our team of expert physical therapists can provide you with a full range of services to help improve your condition.