Title: Orthopedic Tests—Insight from a Physiotherapist

Presenter: Becca Watson, MScPT, BSpKin

Credit: 1 Clinical Medicine (CM)

Session Description: 

Physiotherapists are movement specialists. The profession of physiotherapy plays a significant role in treatment of injury and disease and in health promotion. A key aspect of physiotherapy treatment is proper diagnosis. This involves several orthopedic tests during the initial assessment. The session will focus on the orthopedic tests used to identity or rule out specific musculoskeletal problems to develop a working diagnosis. Participants will learn the most common special tests for each joint, how they are performed, key terminology, anatomical structures involved, and what indicates a positive or negative test. This webinar will be helpful to those looking to understand the clinical assessment procedures used to identify structures at fault.

Learning Objectives

1. Hear about the Physiotherapy Assessment Structure.
2. Understand the purpose of orthopedic tests.
3. Learn what indicates a positive test and what structures are involved. 

Bio: Ms. Watson graduated from Western University with an honor’s specialization in kinesiology, then took her studies abroad to Oxford Brookes University in England where she completed a master’s in physiotherapy. She currently works in an orthopedic setting, focusing on sports rehab, but has worked with various teams like Team China Lacrosse and Trent University Rowing.

 Ms. Watson has continued her education in physiotherapy through orthopedic division levels, acupuncture and dry needling, concussion management, and running specialization. Outside of work she enjoys running, skiing, hiking, and traveling.