MSK Assessment

• Aims of the Subjective Assessment

  to gather all relevant info about the site, nature, behaviour + onset of symptoms + past treatments

  r/v the patient's general health, any past investigations, medication + social history
• Patient's Social History - Employment

  obtain details of the patient's employment - r they still working

  can they not work cos they're unable to cope w the physical demands of the job

  do heavy lifting, repetitive movements/inappropriate sustained postures increase the symptoms

  these factors may be precursors of poor posture + muscle imbalance, which may accentuate degenerative disease + increase symptoms
• Patient's Social History - Hobbies/Interests

  is the patient able to participate in a sport if desired

  if not determine the reasons

  identify the length of time the patient has been off work/has been unable to participate in physical activities

  evaluate the progression of symptoms
• Presenting Condition - Area of the Symptoms

  it is useful to record the area of the pain by using a body chart, a quick visual reference

  the patient may complain of more than one symptom, so the symptoms may be recorded

  
• Severity & Duration of Pain/Symptoms

  the severity of pain may be measured on a numerical scale of 0-10 to quantify the pain

  = allow changes to be monitored as the treatment progresses

  establish whether the pain + symptoms r intermittent/constant

  is the pain present all the time/does it come and go depending on activites/time of day