Our physical exam is focused on an in-depth knowledge of functional anatomy, including:

• Posture and gait analysis
• Musculoskeletal (muscle and joint) functional testing, including range-of-motion and strength examinations
• Palpatory examination for tender, edematous, or swollen musculoskeletal components-and
• Ultrasound imaging for diagnosis and indirect needle guidance for Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy.

We also obtain previously performed radiological imaging reports. If necessary, we obtain X-ray, MRI, or CAT scan imaging studies through the course of diagnosis and treatment. We have the expertise to diagnostically differentiate between:

• The joint pain and referred pain of chronic sprain and misalignment injury – and
• The joint pain and radicular pain attributed to degenerative disc disease.

We recommend that any patient with cervical (neck), thoracic, lumbar (low back), or sacral paraspinal pain – especially that which is accompanied by a radiation or “radicular” pattern – be adequately assessed for underlying sprain injury, before deciding on surgery. That also applies to severe shoulder or hip pain and dysfunction.

This recommendation also applies to any other joint injury that has become a surgical candidate – if there has not been an adequate musculoskeletal examination, you should consider obtaining one.