Why I look at mechanics/standing tests before table tests

One of the biggest mistakes I see new grads and students make when going through an evaluation is the order of testing they do things in.  Also, the amount of testing they do.  For example, screening out the entire body with every ROM test, special test, and manual muscle test may be great for insurance companies but it may not be the best use of your time.  Instead, I suggest looking at standing tests first (when applicable of course) and then table tests.  

The reason I like standing tests first is because I can screen out movement first and follow that up on the table to break things down further.  An easy example is the single leg squat.  When I look at the single leg squat I am having the patient perform the squat like they normally would, no cueing.  If I see a movement impairment then I am next trying to figure out if it is a motor control problem, strength problem, ROM problem, or a combination of the three.  There are many ways I would screen this out (assistance, etc).  In other words, is it a stability problem or a mobility problem first?  By jumping to on table tests first one may assume that because the glute med was weak that is the problem.  This may not be the case.  Instead, try to use your table tests to help rule in or out your theory.  

​- Brian

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