By Mariana Echeverri Alvarez, Communications Coordinator
Pre-Appointment Preparation

Prior to the assessment, the patient must gather any relevant medical history, including previous injuries, treatments, and surgeries. Wearing appropriate athletic attire is also recommended to facilitate physical examination and movement analysis.

 

Initial Consultation

Upon arrival, the patient will have an initial consultation with the athletic therapist. This involves a detailed discussion about the patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and any specific concerns or goals they may have. The therapist will ask questions to understand the context of the injury, such as:

  • When did the injury occur?
  • How did it happen?
  • What type of pain or discomfort are you experiencing?

 

Physical Examination

The physical examination is a thorough evaluation of the patient’s body to identify the root cause of the issue. This may include:

  • Postural Assessment: The therapist observes the patient’s posture to identify any misalignments or imbalances that may contribute to the injury. This can involve standing, sitting, and walking assessments.
  • Range of Motion Testing: The therapist compares the patient’s range of motion in the affected area to the uninvolved side. This helps identify restrictions or abnormalities.
  • Strength Testing: The therapist will assess the strength of the muscles surrounding the injury through various exercises and resistance tests. This can highlight areas of weakness that need to be addressed.
  • Palpation: This involves the therapist using their hands to feel the affected area for tenderness, swelling, or abnormalities in the tissue. This tactile examination can provide valuable information about the injury’s severity and nature.

 

 

Functional Assessment

A functional assessment involves observing the patient perform specific movements or activities related to their sport or daily life. The therapist may ask the patient to demonstrate activities that exacerbate their symptoms, such as running, jumping, or lifting.

 

Special Tests

Depending on the injury, the therapist may conduct special tests to diagnose specific conditions. These tests can include ligament stability tests, nerve conduction tests, and other orthopedic examinations.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

Based on the information gathered during the assessment, the therapist will provide an interpretation of findings and develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include:

  • Rehabilitation exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion
  • Manual therapy techniques, such as massage or joint mobilization
  • Electrotherapy modalities, such as ultrasound or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
  • Advice on activity modification and injury prevention

 

 

Education and Home Exercise Program

An essential assessment component is educating the patient about their injury and the steps needed for recovery. The therapist will provide a home exercise program tailored to the patient’s needs, ensuring they can continue their rehabilitation outside the clinic.

 

Follow-Up Appointments

Follow-up appointments are often scheduled to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. These sessions allow the therapist to reevaluate the patient’s condition, track improvements, and modify the rehabilitation program as needed.

 

Do you have more questions? We’re happy to answer them! Call us at 204-925-5944 or email us at smc@sportmanitoba.ca. 

Or are you ready to see an athletic therapist? Book your appointment online.