Diagnostic Classification and Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice: What We Can Learn from Medicine

Zimny, Nancy J. PT, MS

¹Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT.

Address correspondence to Nancy J. Zimny, 305 Rowell Building, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405. E-mail:[email protected]

Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 34(3):p 105-109, March 2004.

Concepts of diagnosis and classification have a long history in medicine, while formal schemes of diagnostic classification in physical therapy are relatively new. Basic differences exist between medicine and physical therapy in the phenomena which are diagnosed and classified. However, similarities in the diagnostic and classification process provide an opportunity to learn from medicine as the process now evolves in physical therapy. This paper provides a brief history of the development of the concept of diagnostic classification in medicine and physical therapy. Difficulties associated with the process are described. Knowledge of these difficulties is used to analyze some of the evolving concepts of diagnostic classification in physical therapy, especially those related to orthopaedic physical therapy practice. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2004;34:105-115.