What is Diagnosis?
        “The anatomic, biochemical, 
         physiologic, or psychologic 
                 derangement”
     DIAGNOSI                      Labeling 
     S                           Pathology
      
                            
              What is Diagnosis?
     “Diagnosis is the term which names 
     the primary dysfunction toward which 
     the physical therapist directs 
     treatment” (Sahrmann, 1989)
     DIAGNOSI                     Planning 
     S                           Treatment
      
                            
                What is Diagnosis?
     • Medical Diagnosis:
       • Herniated Disc
       • CVA
     • Physical Therapy Diagnosis:
       • Right-sided radiculopathy centralizing with 
         repeated extension
       • Left-sided hemiplegia - Brunnstrom Stage III: all 
         movements in synergy with marked spasticity
       
                                 
         Three Strategies of Clinical 
                    Diagnosis
      • Pattern recognition
      • Complete history and physical 
        examination
      • Hypothetico-deductive strategy
      
                            
                     Pattern Recognition
       •  Instantaneous realization that the patient 
          conforms to a previously learned pattern 
          of disease
       •  Usually reflexive,  not reflective
       •  Usually cannot be explained to others
       •  Argued to be “learned” on patients and 
          not “taught” in lecture halls