Musculoskeletal Care

The musculoskeletal system is comprised of various bony and soft-tissue structures, ie. muscles, tendons and ligaments.  These structures work together to provide stability and mobility to the body.  When as few as one of these structures is compromised it can affect a small area of the body, or the body as a whole.
 

A traditional orthopedic exam is a clinical assessment performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the musculoskeletal system. This includes the bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. The exam helps identify any problems or abnormalities, such as fractures, sprains, strains, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal conditions.

The exam usually involves several components:

1. Patient History​

2. Observation (Inspection)​

3. Palpation​

4. Range of Motion (ROM) Testing​

5. Strength Testing​ (Manual Muscle Testing)

6. Special Tests

• These are specific movements or maneuvers designed to test particular joints or ligaments for injury or dysfunction.​

7. Neurological Examination (if necessary)

• This includes testing reflexes, sensation, and nerve function.

8. Gait Analysis​

9. Functional Assessment​

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This exam process is essential for diagnosing musculoskeletal issues, planning treatment strategies, and determining whether further diagnostic testing or interventions are required. It also helps differentiate between orthopedic conditions and issues that may be related to other systems (e.g., neurological or vascular problems).