Comprehensive Assessment

A clearer understanding of your movement.

A comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment looks beyond the location of pain. We consider movement, strength, mobility and function to help understand your presentation and guide an appropriate rehabilitation approach.

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Physiotherapist discussing assessment with patient

Assessment built around you Your symptoms, movement, lifestyle and rehabilitation goals all matter.

Understanding Your Presentation

Look beyond where it hurts

Pain is only one part of the picture.

Musculoskeletal problems can affect how you move, work, exercise and manage everyday activities. A detailed assessment helps build a clearer picture of the factors relevant to your symptoms.

Your physiotherapist will combine your history with appropriate physical and functional assessment to help inform your rehabilitation plan.

Detailed discussion of your symptoms
Assessment of relevant movement and function
Identification of practical rehabilitation goals
Clear explanation of assessment findings
Personalised next steps where appropriate

What We Assess

A complete view of your physical function

The assessment is adapted to your symptoms and presentation. Depending on your needs, different aspects of movement and physical function may be considered.

Movement

Relevant movement patterns and functional movements can be assessed to understand how your body is moving.

Mobility

Appropriate joint and soft tissue mobility may be considered as part of your physical assessment.

Strength

Relevant muscle strength and control can help inform exercise and rehabilitation recommendations.

Posture & Control

Depending on the presentation, posture and movement control may form part of the assessment.

Functional Ability

We consider how symptoms influence activities such as walking, work, exercise or everyday tasks.

Your Goals

Your priorities and desired outcomes help shape realistic and meaningful rehabilitation goals.

Our Approach

Connecting symptoms with function

A musculoskeletal assessment is not simply about finding a painful area. It is about understanding the wider context and identifying practical areas that may be relevant to your rehabilitation.

Symptoms & history

When your symptoms started, how they behave and what activities influence them.

Movement patterns

Relevant movements are considered in relation to your symptoms and function.

Physical capacity

Strength, mobility and physical capacity may be assessed where clinically relevant.

Lifestyle & goals

Your work, activities and personal goals help guide the rehabilitation approach.

The Process

From assessment to action

We aim to make your assessment informative, straightforward and focused on what happens next.

Discuss

We listen to your symptoms, history, concerns and rehabilitation goals.

Assess

Appropriate movement, physical and functional assessments are carried out.

Explain

We discuss relevant findings and help you understand the next steps.

Plan

Where appropriate, we create a practical rehabilitation approach around your goals.

Why It Matters

Better understanding can lead to better decisions

A clear assessment can help you understand your current physical presentation and make informed decisions about appropriate rehabilitation.

Understand your presentation

Gain a clearer picture of relevant symptoms and physical findings.

Choose practical next steps

Use the assessment findings to guide appropriate rehabilitation.

Improve confidence in movement

Build understanding around movement, exercise and recovery.

Work towards your goals

Rehabilitation can be adapted as your needs and progress change.

Before Your Appointment

How to prepare

A little preparation can help you get the most from your assessment.

Think about your symptoms

Consider when your symptoms started, what affects them and how they influence your normal activities.

Consider your goals

Think about the activities you would like to return to or improve during your rehabilitation.

Wear comfortable clothing

Clothing that allows comfortable movement can make relevant physical assessment easier.

Bring relevant information

If relevant, bring information about previous treatment, investigations or other healthcare appointments.

Prepare your questions

Write down anything you would like to ask about your symptoms, treatment or recovery.

Be open about your needs

Tell your physiotherapist about activities, work or lifestyle factors that are important to your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Musculoskeletal assessment FAQs

It is a structured assessment of relevant symptoms, movement, physical function and other factors that may help inform your physiotherapy rehabilitation approach.

Assessment techniques are selected according to your presentation and comfort. Let your physiotherapist know if a particular movement or assessment causes discomfort.

Musculoskeletal assessment can be adapted to different areas of the body, depending on your symptoms and functional concerns. Your physiotherapist will determine what is relevant to your presentation.

Following the assessment, your physiotherapist can discuss the findings and appropriate next steps. Where suitable, this may include treatment, exercise or rehabilitation strategies.

Absolutely. Your assessment is an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, concerns, goals and any questions you have about your rehabilitation.

Take The Next Step

Understand your movement. Plan your recovery.

If pain, stiffness or an injury is affecting your everyday life, an appropriate assessment can be a useful first step towards understanding your needs and planning rehabilitation.

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