What is a Physical Therapy Evaluation and Diagnosis?

A physical therapy evaluation aims to diagnose function or movement-related problems that underlie your symptoms.

Coach Amy will establish a functional diagnosis for you; this is not a medical diagnosis.

A physical therapy diagnosis is a functional diagnosis.

After evaluating a patient with foot pain, Coach Amy may determine that symptoms are consistent with plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel, or tendonitis, for example.

As a part of the diagnostic process, Coach Amy will:

• obtain a relevant history

• perform a systems review

• administer specific tests and measures

Your functional diagnosis will guide Coach Amy in deciding the most appropriate intervention strategy. Even if the diagnostic process does not lead to a specific disorder, syndrome, or category, treatment is still possible. Coach Amy will design a custom treatment plan to alleviate symptoms, impairments, and activity limitations.

Coach Amy may refer you to other healthcare professionals for additional testing, such as imaging studies, or if she determines that your diagnosis is outside her scope of practice or expertise. 

You do not need to go to a doctor when you seek physical therapy. Even if you have a doctor's referral or imaging results with a specific diagnosis, Coach Amy must evaluate you and determine whether her clinical findings are consistent with that diagnosis.