The HODS Approved Physical Therapy Diagnostic Centers Uniqueness
Most physical therapists use the traditional model of physical therapy that includes an initial evaluation and treatments based on the initial evaluation findings. The HODS Approved Physical Therapy Diagnostic Centers use a New Advanced Model of physical therapy that offers 62% better patient management! This new model incorporates appropriate muscle, joint and nerve testing that provide information about the true cause of your problem. The HODS Approved Diagnostic Physical Therapists utilize not only a physical examination but also Advanced Diagnostic Testing Technologies to identify the root of your problem and treat you in the most efficient way.
Moreover, physical therapists who use the traditional model of physical therapy they depend on the low sensitivity of physical examination tests to identify your problem. These physical examination tests if they have very low degrees of sensitivity, they may allow a large degree of problems to be misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed while you continue suffering from pain.
To the contrary, HODS Approved Physical Therapy Diagnostic Centers implement EMG (ElectroMyorgaphy Nerve and Muscle) and MSKUS (Ultrasound Imaging) tests that provide high degrees of sensitivity that can screen your problem very effectively.
Click on the button below and review a table which demonstrates comparisons of sensitivity among physical examination tests compared to Electroneuromyography testing and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound.
| Diagnosis | Special Test | Sensitivity | EMG Sensitivity | MSKUS Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Median Tinnel Sign | 23% (Kuhlman and Hennessey 1997) | 86% (Werner and Andary 2011) | 77.6% (Fowler et al 2011) |
| Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Phalen Sign | 51% (Kuhlman and Hennessey 1997) | 86% (Werner and Andary 2011) | 77.6% (Fowler et al 2011) |
| Cubital Tunnel Syn. | Ulnar Tinnel Sign | 70% (Novak et al 1994) | 88% (Volpe et at 2009) | 80% (Beekman et al 2004) |
| Cubital Tunnel Syn. | Elbow Flexion | 32% (Novak et al 1994) | 88% (Volpe et at 2009) | 80% (Beekman et al 2004) |
| Cubital Tunnel Syn. | Ulnar Press Provocation | 55% (Novak et al 1994) | 88% (Volpe et at 2009) | 80% (Beekman et al 2004) |
| Cervical Radiculopathy | Spurling’s Test | 30% (Tong et al 2002) | 71% (AANEM 1999) | N/A |
| Rotator Cuff Tear | Neer Test | 79% (Hegedus et al 2008) | N/A | 92% (De Jesus et al 2009) |
| Rotator Cuff Tear | Hawkins – Kennedy Test | 79% (Hegedus et al 2008) | N/A | 92% (De Jesus et al 2009) |
In conclusion, the use of low sensitivity physical examination tests as screening tests for pathology leads to misidentification of the root cause of your musculoskeletal problem, and keeps you untreated or treated for the wrong condition. This leads to mediocre treatment outcomes causing your justified frustration and dissatisfaction and is often the catalyst for you to recourse to resources such as opioid medications.
The professionalism and knowledge you showed me was outstanding. You really educated me each step of the way, and I thank you for it. I get a little nervous doing tests, and you made me feel at-ease. Thank you, my favorite EMG guys and girls.