A Proper Diagnosis…is the key to fixing a problem!

Whether it’s via twitter, email, or general conversations, I get a lot of questions from people who are experiencing pain, weakness and/or dysfunction. They’re asking for HELP and suggestions! And as much as I would love to help them out, quite frankly it’s simply not that easy!

Before ANYONE (including me;)) can properly answer questions like: Why am I in pain? What is it? Why did it happen? What do I do to get rid of it? What are my treatment options? What exercises can or can’t I do? What strengthening/stretching exercises can I do to help it? What do I do to keep it from happening again? Etc…. you first MUST know what “IT” is, and to do so you MUST be given a diagnosis.  So what does a diagnosis consist of?

 

First off, “diagnosis” is defined as identifying the nature or cause of something.  The important word being “CAUSE”.  All too often, people deal with the symptoms and not the cause. If you just treat the symptoms you will at BEST get temporary relief (not sufficient in my world!).  But if you treat the cause, you can get rid of the problem and the symptoms. 

Therefore, determine the cause of the problem (diagnosis), then, and only then, based on the diagnosis a practitioner can help you develop a plan of action (i.e. treatment options, required rest, exercises, rehab, modification to workout program, etc.).

 

So now that you understand a diagnosis is needed, it is important that you receive a PROPER diagnosis; here are some simple guidelines that you can follow to help ensure you are being properly diagnosed:

• The diagnosis must be given by someone who is qualified and licensed and specializes in the area of concern (don’t come to me for an eye problem).
• A proper diagnosis can not be given without a proper examination. A proper examination must contain at least 2 things: 1) a thorough history (during which the doctor asks you questions about your injury/condition) and 2) a physical examination (during which the doctor runs you through a series of tests which I refer to as orthopaedic tests which examine muscles, nerves, ligaments and joints to decipher where the problem is coming from and what structures are involved).

Note: In a small percentage of cases (10 percent of the cases that I see in my office) additional tests are required, which may include: x-rays, diagnostic ultrasounds, MRI, or blood tests.

 

So if you have a problem, and you want to be helped, Step 1 is getting a proper diagnosis! The sooner the better! Find the problem…fix the problem!! Remember, without a diagnosis, its just a guessing game….

Stay Healthy!!!!