Elevating Patient Outcomes
One of the missions behind establishing Tundra Performance and Physical Therapy, was to raise the standard of care within our profession and the manner in how we do it. One of the ways we do this is through a higher level of testing within our evaluations and treatments. A common theme when I evaluate someone who has been previously seen by another provider, was that the patient was not assessed to the level of their performance. This can either mean, assessing a movement that should have been observed under resistance, such as a back squat or deadlift, or maybe they never underwent a battery of return to sport or performance testing to assess symmetry between the injured limb and its counterpart.
Testing sets the table and tone of that patient’s individual treatment plan. Without the proper information and data, we can’t make accurate clinical decisions. One of the most common tests I perform is the Maximal Isometric Test using a force dynamometer. This little device gives us insight into the patient’s true strength output. If all we do is push on someone's arm and leg and ask them to resist us, there becomes a plateau in accuracy and the ability to separate deficits. This is why we use the dynamometer. It gives us force data that better depicts the strength present within the limb. In addition, it gives insight into the power output. With this data, we can more accurately identify the gap in strength between the two limbs and the needs to be addressed. This in turn creates a more accurate exercise program and prescription, and ultimately, quicker, more efficient outcomes and results in therapy.
As physical therapists, we already operate in a sea of gray. The standardization of testing provides greater clarity to a patient’s presentation. As the patient, this results in better outcomes and back to the things you love and enjoy.
If you had a previous surgery and don’t feel like it had the opportunity to rehabilitate back to its prior level, or know someone like this, more in depth testing maybe what you need. Please follow the link below to schedule a consultation call to discuss how we can help you.
