What does "differential diagnosis" involve in physical therapy?

Differential diagnosis in physical therapy refers to the process of distinguishing between multiple conditions that may present with similar symptoms. This is a crucial step in the evaluation process, as it helps the therapist determine what the underlying issue is that is causing a patient's symptoms. By systematically comparing and contrasting the various possible conditions, a physical therapist can arrive at the most accurate diagnosis. This process ensures that appropriate and effective treatment plans can be developed, targeting the specific condition affecting the patient rather than making assumptions based solely on the symptoms presented.

Identifying a single condition for treatment focuses on a more definitive diagnosis rather than the comparative approach that differential diagnosis entails. Establishing a treatment plan, while an important part of the therapeutic process, comes after the differential diagnosis has been made. Similarly, monitoring patient progress is a follow-up procedure that occurs during and after treatment implementation, not during the diagnostic phase. Therefore, the key aspect of differential diagnosis is its emphasis on distinguishing among various potential conditions that share similar manifestations.