Module Overview of the Musculoskeletal and Neurological Assessment

• Objective: Review and assess the musculoskeletal system, gather subjective and objective data to compile an accurate history, and perform a neurological assessment.

Overview of Class Discussion

• Inquiry from Harley regarding late submission of module videos.
  • Videos marked as late upon rewatching.
  • Instructor advised to email for corrections in grading.

Focused Assessment Scenario

• Assessment of Ryan Martinez, a 52-year-old male client.
  • Incident: Car accident with airbag deployment, resulting in wrist injury.
  • Scheduled follow-up: 6 months post-accident, now 9 months overdue.
  • Medical treatment: Wrist placed in a splint but never casted.
  • Activities: Enjoys walking dogs and hiking.

Subjective Data Collection Questions

1. Pain Assessment:
   • Is there still pain 9 months post-incident?
   • Location of pain (moving or resting).
   • Pain management (medication requirements).
   • Current necessity of wearing a splint.
   • Pain level rating on a scale of 1-10.
2. Functional Limitations:
   • Ability to move wrist and hand (functional movements).
   • Pain during activities such as walking dogs on a leash.
3. Neurological Symptoms:
   • Experience of tingling or numbness.

Objective Data Collection Methods

• Visual inspection for:
  • Signs of swelling: Compare symmetry with the other wrist.
  • Discoloration: Monitor for purple fingers or lack of circulation.
  • Palpation: Assess tenderness in the injured area.
  • Temperature: Evaluate blood flow based on warmth or coolness of the skin.

Assessment Techniques

• Always inspect before palpating.
• Carry out range of motion exercises while palpating to check for joint deformities.

Module Instructions and Breakout Rooms

• Overview of module three objectives and prework requirements.
  • Duration: 30 minutes lesson, 85% on simulation, and 100% on post-test.
  • Requirement: Correct module report submission.

Client Encounter Example: Josh Hammonds

• Client Information: Josh Hammonds, 29 years old, self-reported back injury from weightlifting.
  • Description of pain: Managing a dull ache that worsens with bending.
  • Pain scale report: Rated at 4 (on scale of 0 to 10).
• Assessment Overview:
  • Coherence in speech, normal eye contact, no disorientation.
  • Pain and sensations in back, absence of numbness or tingling.

Physical Assessment Process

1. Range of Motion Exercises:
   • Arm movements for elbow and shoulder: extension, flexion, hyperextension.
   • Abduction and adduction: raising arms, crossing arms over chest.
   • Internal and external rotations: movements to touch shoulder blade behind back.
2. Muscle Strength Evaluation:
   • Biceps and triceps: Strength assessment via resistance tests bilaterally, rated as five plus (5+) which is normal.
   • Leg movements: Assessing flexibility and any pain when pushing down or pulling back.
3. Gait Assessment:
   • Observation during walking: Posture, balance, symmetry of arm swings, and smooth turns without instability.

Final Questioning and Conclusion

• Invite further questions from the client after assessment completion.

Understanding Joint and Muscle Assessments

• Emphasis on accuracy in physical assessments:
  • Ensure to observe and document any abnormalities such as stiffness, swelling or muscle spasms.