Does a physical therapy diagnosis include a medical diagnosis?

In the context of physical therapy practice, a physical therapy diagnosis is distinct from a medical diagnosis. Physical therapists are trained to identify and manage movement dysfunctions and provide treatment based on their evaluation. While they have extensive knowledge about various medical conditions and may work alongside physicians, a primary focus of their diagnosis pertains specifically to the functional limitations and impairments related to movement.

A medical diagnosis is typically established by a physician and encompasses the broader context of a patient's health condition, including the underlying pathology that may cause various symptoms. Physical therapists utilize their own diagnostic framework, which may consider the medical diagnosis to inform their treatment plans, but it is not synonymous with it. Therefore, the assertion that a physical therapy diagnosis does not inherently include a medical diagnosis accurately reflects the separation of roles and responsibilities in the healthcare system.

This understanding underscores the emphasis on the physical therapist's role in assessing and addressing physical impairments rather than defining the medical conditions themselves.