What does a PT diagnosis primarily describe?

A physical therapy (PT) diagnosis primarily describes the movement systems dysfunction of the patient. This diagnosis focuses on identifying and detailing how impairments in the body’s movement system are affecting the patient’s ability to function and move effectively.

By honing in on movement-related issues, the PT diagnosis helps inform treatment strategies, guiding the physical therapist in designing a personalized plan that addresses the specific dysfunctions affecting the patient's mobility or functional tasks. This approach emphasizes understanding the clinical limitations to target effective interventions that enhance movement quality and restore function.

In contrast, while patient history and demographics, therapeutic protocols, and the patient's social context are also important aspects of holistic patient care, they serve different purposes. Patient history and demographics provide context that is useful for understanding background information, therapeutic protocols defines the standardized treatment approaches available, and the social context sheds light on external factors influencing health. However, the primary focus of a physical therapy diagnosis specifically revolves around identifying dysfunctions in movement systems, which is essential for effective treatment planning.