Diagnosis for Physical Therapy for Patients with Neuromuscular Conditions

The purposes of this paper are to: (1) describe a system of diagnoses for physical therapy for patients with neuromuscular conditions, (2) outline a clinical examination needed to make a diagnosis using this system, and (3) demonstrate how making a diagnosis for physical therapy using this system directs physical therapy intervention. In the system of diagnoses described in this paper, patients are categorized based on different movement related impairments and the potential of deficits to improve with natural recovery. In order to make a diagnosis, physical therapists perform a specific clinical examination designed to assess neuromuscular impairments and functional performance. Based on the examination, therapists determine the primary movement dysfunction, consider the potential for motor recovery, and select a diagnosis. The diagnosis guides therapists in selecting appropriate interventions. As a result, patients with a given diagnosis for physical therapy receive similar intervention even though they may have a variety of medical diagnoses.