Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Medicine and Health Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

School of Pharmacy Faculty Articles

Series

Differential diagnosis

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

A Hypothesis-Oriented Algorithm For Symptom-Based Diagnosis By Physical Therapists: Description And Case Series, Courtney D. Few, Todd E. Davenport, Hugh G. Watts Jan 2007

A Hypothesis-Oriented Algorithm For Symptom-Based Diagnosis By Physical Therapists: Description And Case Series, Courtney D. Few, Todd E. Davenport, Hugh G. Watts

School of Pharmacy Faculty Articles

Study Design: Case series.

Subjects: Two patients referred to physical therapy with a diagnosis of lower back pain (LBP).

Background: The increasing role of physical therapists in primary care settings highlights the skills needed to determine the appropriateness of physical therapy for patients. A hypothesis-oriented algorithm for symptom-based diagnosis was developed for use by physical therapists. The goal of this process is to determine a diagnostic impression to guide decisions regarding patient disposition and physical therapist management. This case series demonstrates the process in two individuals with LBP referred to a community-based outpatient physical therapy clinic.

Diagnosis: Despite the fact …