Special Tests are not that special ... 🧐 There is loads of evidence suggesting our special tests are not so special meaning, there not tissue specific, they don't always lead a specific diagnosis, and it is debatable if it guides clinical decisions. However, this does mean we don't use them, just pick a few that have some good psychometric properties which will help you extract better information from your clinical examination. ... ➡️ Reflect on your physical exam tests that you commonly use and look into the diagnostic accuracy of them; that is their sensitivity and specificity. In quick summary, here is a familiar mnemonic below: Sensitive test and Negative rules OUT a condition = SNOUT Specific test and Positive test rules IN a condition = SPIN ➡️ Use special tests that help screen or rule in conditions to better inform your clinical decision making. Although Symptom Modification Procedure may likely be more salient for treatment. SMP could demonstrate to the patient that their symptoms are malleable and could lend opportunity to provide more targeted and meaningful exercises. ... ➡️ These tests are not specific to any one tissue. They aid in diagnosis and should not be used to determine a “medical label” for a patient. https://www.ampphysio.com/blog/2016/9/6/im-a-physiotherapist-not-a-statistician #ampphysio #physio #physiotherapy #physicaltherapy #dptstudent #orthopaedics #sportsmedicine #specialtests
