The Physical Therapy Evaluation

Examination

A complete history includes social history, living environment, history of current condition, functional status and activity level, medications, medical/surgical history, and current health status.

Tests and measures

• Cognition and attention
• Assistive and adaptive devices
• Circulation
• Gait, locomotion and balance
• Cranial and peripheral nerve integrity
• Skin integrity
• Joint integrity and mobility
• Motor function and muscle performance
• Sensory integration
• Orthotic, protective and supportive devices
• Pain assessment
• Posture
• Range of motion
• Reflex integrity
• Self-care
• Respiration
• Environmental, home, and work barriers
• Aerobic capacity/endurance

 

What is a neurologic Physical Therapist?

A neurologic physical therapist is a physical therapist that specializes in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with movement problems due to disease or injury of the nervous system. Physical therapists who specialize in neurology work with a broad range of conditions in both adults and children that include:

• Spinal cord injury
• Brain injury that results from trauma or conditions such as stroke or tumors
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Polyneuropathies including Guillian-Barre syndrome
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Dizziness and balance disorders including BPPV and other vestibular conditions
• Pediatric conditions such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy


A neurologic physical therapist can help you if you have any of the following complaints:

• Dizziness
• Imbalance that results in falls
• Difficulty walking or moving around in your daily life
• If you need more help than you did before to go through your daily activities
• If you have a brace or wheelchair that needs to be reevaluated