The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy
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J Orthop Sports Phys Ther · Nov 2005
Case ReportsAbdominal differential diagnosis in a patient referred to a physical therapy clinic for low back pain.
Resident's case problem. ⋯ This resident's case problem provides an opportunity to discuss the clinical reasoning process leading to the suspicion of abdominal pathology. Specifically, this case reinforces the importance of recognizing potential signs of systemic pathology, executing an appropriate physical examination, including screening of the involved anatomical region, and providing an appropriate medical referral when indicated.
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J Orthop Sports Phys Ther · Oct 2005
Case ReportsCancer as a cause of low back pain in a patient seen in a direct access physical therapy setting.
Resident's case problem. ⋯ It is important that physical therapists have an understanding of the clinical findings associated with the presence of serious underlying diseases causing LBP, as this information provides guidance as to when communication with the patient's physician is warranted.
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J Orthop Sports Phys Ther · Oct 2005
Case ReportsCervical radiculopathy or Parsonage-Turner syndrome: differential diagnosis of a patient with neck and upper extremity symptoms.
Resident's case problem. ⋯ CR and PTS are characterized by pain in the cervical spine, shoulder, and upper extremity. CR generally has an insidious onset, while PTS has a rapid onset of intense pain. Symptoms of CR are exacerbated with neck movements, while symptoms related to PTS should not be exacerbated with neck movements. In patients that do not respond to conventional therapy and have a progression of upper extremity muscle weakness, regardless of decreased pain, the diagnosis of PTS should be considered.
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J Orthop Sports Phys Ther · Oct 2005
Case ReportsClinical diagnosis of vertebrobasilar insufficiency: resident's case problem.
Resident's case problem. ⋯ VBI may be present in patients with subjective reports of vertigo and visual disturbances that are reproduced with VBI physical examination procedures.
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J Orthop Sports Phys Ther · Sep 2005
The centralization phenomenon and fear-avoidance beliefs as prognostic factors for acute low back pain: a preliminary investigation involving patients classified for specific exercise.
Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of patients with acute low back pain (LBP). ⋯ Baseline elevation in fear-avoidance beliefs about work and lack of centralization phenomenon predicted higher disability. Baseline lack of centralization phenomenon predicted higher pain intensity. These results can only be generalized to patients with acute LBP classified for specific exercise. It will be necessary to independently validate these prediction models before they can be implemented in clinical settings.