ORTHOPEDIC PHYSICAL ASSESMENT (OPA)

What is the purpose of an assessment?

• To fully and completely understand the clients problems

• To fully understand the anatomical and physiological basis for the cause of the symptoms

What are the two perspectives needed for an assesment

The clients and clinicians perspective

• to fully understand the clients problem

What is important in an Clinical assessment

Understanding pathologies affecting the patient

Why is it important to understand pathologies affecting the patient?

• To clearly explain the natural history of the problem with the patient and make accurate prediction of how long the problem will persist

• Provide optimal treatment and rehabilitation precription

An assesment results in

An clinical impression and differential diagnosis

What does a correct differential diagnosis and clinical impression involve?

• Having a good knowledge of functional anatomy

• Having a good knowledge of pathologies and mechanisms of injury

• Taking an accurate patient history (IE. Signs, symptoms, specific client information…)

• Diligent observation

• Completing an through physical exam (ROM, Special tests, Palpation)

• May require laboratory and diagnostic imaging

• Also may require further medical involvement

How to structure an OPA (Orthopedic Physical Assessment)

Should be sequential, methodical and organized

In an OPA (Orthopaedic Physical Assessment) what is the main client goal to work towards

Develop rapport with the client

Why is building rapport with the client important?

It builds trust, respect and understanding

During an OPA (Orthopedic Physical Assessment) are all conditions easily shown?

No some conditions may appear readily on visual inspection and others may require complex assessment techniques in order to identify.

What is important to get in any assessment

Informed consent

What is informed consent

a legal and ethical requirement ensuring that a patient or research participant receives a full, clear explanation of a proposed treatment, procedure, or study before agreeing to it

What are the components of an OPA (Orthopaedic Physical Assessment)

• A sufficient client history

• Observation

• Gait

• Functional test

• Examination of movement

• Special tests and joint play movement

• Palpation and surface anatomy

What does a client history result in?

Results in 3 indices of suspicion (IOS)

What occurs after a OPA (Orthopaedic Physical Assessment)

• A Medical follow up and Diagnostic imaging

• Finally Differential diagnosis and Clinical Impression

What are the OPA (Orthopaedic Physical Assessment) and Rehab Goals, Plan

• Treatment of lesion site

• Prevention of secondary complications

• Flexibility/Range of Motion (ROM)

• Strength/Endurance

• Proprioceptive Re-education

• Posutre

• Cardiovascular/Whole Body Fitness

• Education/Psychological Concerns

• Home Exercise Program

• Return to Competition (Sport Specific and Functional Testing)

What must you always verbalize with rehab and OPA?

Verbalized aim and goals of treatment

As a therapist what are you expected to do with every single client

Use professional conduct at all times

How do you maintain professional conduct at all times

• Use proper language

• Wear appropriate attire

In an practical exam what are we graded on

• The order and organization in which tasks are performed

• The effectiveness of communication with the client

  • (verbal and non-verbal and listening)

• The positioning of the Certification Candidate and the athlete during the performance to ensure a high level of comfort for both

• Maintaining eye contact with the client during the practical exam.

What is the most important thing outside of class

Practice Properly! Don’t develop bad habits