Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
1. Identify at least 2 screening examination procedures per system to identify pathologies that fall outside the scope of the PT. 2. Given a cluster of signs & symptoms, evaluate the examination findings and identify when to make appropriate referrals to other healthcare providers.3. Apply evaluation results and make appropriate recommendations for further medical testing and diagnostics within the scope of physical therapy practice.4. Identify at least 5 medical “red flags” which would contraindicate physical therapy intervention and/or require a medical referral across a variety of patient scenarios. 5. Appraise data gained from a history and diagnostic tests/procedures, and weigh the data in the context of the results of the physical therapy examination to develop a realistic differential diagnosis with the scope of physical therapy practice. 6. Apply relevant research to the field of physical therapy primary care.7. Apply the skills of differential diagnosis across all age groups and in consideration of individual differences amongst patients. 8. Discuss the signs, symptoms, and examination findings that differentiate common musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, and other disease states that a physical therapist may encounter.9. Participants will learn the referred pain patterns originating from visceral organs.10. Describe medical “red flags” that may require urgent medical consultation or emergency attention.
Physical Therapists
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