Do physical therapists diagnose?
I remember being a physical therapy intern abroad and was presented with a case of a patient diagnosed with CVA. My grade was on the line. I was asked to perform a thorough evaluation and examination to make an impression and determine the type of stroke the patient is exhibiting. I was scared but was up to the challenge. I did not have access to the medical chart except to rely on the patient’s history and manifestations. Three hours later of assessment and documentation (and a lot of divine intervention), I did pass my clinical instructor’s test. It was a lacunar infarct stroke. In my opinion, physical therapist has the capability to diagnose and we continue to do so in our practice though not out in the
I remember being a physical therapy intern abroad and was presented with a case of a patient diagnosed with CVA. My grade was on the line. I was asked to perform a thorough evaluation and examination to make an impression and determine the type of stroke the patient is exhibiting. I was scared but was up to the challenge. I did not have access to the medical chart except to rely on the patient’s history and manifestations. Three hours later of assessment and documentation (and a lot of divine intervention), I did pass my clinical instructor’s test. It was a lacunar infarct stroke. In my opinion, physical therapist has the capability to diagnose and we continue to do so in our practice though not out in the