Medical Screening

Course overview

This course, through lecture, case studies, and labs, will give you a practical understanding of the function of every non-musculoskeletal system and its ability to mimic a musculoskeletal lesion. We will also discuss various musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal disease processes and how they too can present as, and be mistaken for, a physical therapy problem. As a result, you will learn to perform a non-musculoskeletal system review to identify clinical symptoms that do not fit a musculoskeletal pattern and should be referred to the appropriate medical professional. We will have palpation labs and audio labs as part of screening exams for heart, lungs, liver, urinary, and digestive systems. We will also cover red flags, imaging studies, pharmacology, endocrinology, psychology, and brain disorders as they pertain to the musculoskeletal system. Clinical relevance to any therapy setting is paramount and is ensured as the course is being presented by practicing physical therapists.