Week 4 - Physical exam

Question 1

Components of a physical exam:

Answer 1

Observation (static/functional)
Active movements +/- stress tests 
Passive movements
Palpation
Functional tests

Question 2

Irritable precautions for physical:

Answer 2

• Only do exams that provide essential info
• Avoid exacerbating assessments/large ROM
• Use minimal vigour

Question 3

Non-irritable precautions for physical:

Answer 3

• May need extensive examination
• May need high grade mobilisation / EOR to provoke symptoms
• May need stress (reps/load) to provoke symptoms

Question 4

Static Observation:

Answer 4

• Postural abnormality/asymmetry
• Bony abnormalities
• Muscle atrophy/hypertrophy
• Swelling
• Skin changes/scars

Question 5

Dynamic Observation:

Answer 5

• Movement causing the greatest functional disturbance
• Can the patient perform movement?
• Compensation?
• Pain ?
• What happens when we correct something?

Question 6

Move (Active movement testing):

Answer 6

• Assessing range/quality of movement
• Identifies pain/stiffness/fear
• Evaluates symptom reproduction
• Identifies most affected movement (to reassess)

Question 7

P1:

Answer 7

Onset of increase of pain

Question 8

P2:

Answer 8

Limit of pain tolerance

Question 9

R1:

Answer 9

Onset of resistance

Question 10

R2:

Answer 10

Maximum resistance

Question 11

Stressful movement testing:

Answer 11

Combining 2 most symptomatic active movements to be more provactive

Question 12

Relieving movement testing:

Answer 12

Combining 2 relieving movements to reduce symptoms

Question 13

Repeated movement testing:

Answer 13

• Traditionally to be more provocative

- Also testing pain relieving response

Question 14

Passive movement testing:

Answer 14

• Assess the end-feel + symptom response.
• For peripheral joints: stabilise proximally & move distal segments
• ALWAYS compare to active movements

Question 15

Functional tests:

Answer 15

• Activity/task/function being tested w/ a specific purpose
• Related to a specific component of treatment
• Forms a baseline of assessment
• Activity relates to a patient’s goals/expectations

Question 16

Assessing active movements:

Answer 16

• Ask patient to move as far as possible or until onset of pain
• Always compare to other side / standardise