Assessment of InjuriesLecture 6

Assessment

with a sports related injury the athletic therapist is expected to evaluate the situation , assess the extent and seriousness of the injury and determine the necessary next step

ie. treatment, referral to physician, hospital etc

Assessing an Injury

History, Observation, Range of motion, Special tests and Palpation’s

History history taking requires practice and

patience and involves asking lots of questions

the therapist must listen and establish a rapport with the athlete

a complete history includes primary complaint , mechanism of

injury , extent of pain, disability due to the injury , pervious injuries and family history

Observation

is a visual analysis of the overall appearance, symmetry , motor function , posture and gait of the individual

often the therapist will see the injury happen, however many times they will not

in observation the therapist will note the individuals willingness to move, ability to move, did they walk in, crutches etc

here a posture assessment may be performed

inspect the injury site deformities, discoloration , swelling ,

scars,

Range of Motion

I) Active Range of Motion

shows their ability and willingness to move is joint motion performed voluntarily by the

individual determines possible damage to contractile

tissue measures muscle strength

II) Passive range of motion

body part is move with no assistance from the injured individual

distinguishes injury to noncontractile tissue (bone, ligament, bursae)

III) Resisted movement

outside resistance is added to the movement

isometric contraction assess muscle strength

Special Tests

1) Stress tests each body segment has a series of special

tests to assess joint function and integrity test ligaments, intra-articular structures,

impingement’s and joint capsule stability

1) Neurologic testing nerve roots – named by where they depart

the spinal column each nerve root supplies nerve impulses

to a series of muscles and an area of skin myotome – a group of muscles innervated

by a single nerve root dermatome – a region of skin supplied by

a single nerve root

3) reflex testing exaggerated, distorted or absent reflexes

indicate degeneration or injury to the nervous system

most familiar – patella reflex or knee jerk (L3)

Palpation

bilateral palpation of paired anatomical structure can help to detect

temperature changes, swelling, point tenderness, crepitus, muscle spasm, pulses and sensations

palpate painful area last, start on uninjured side and compare