Quote Originally Posted by Driver-Jowitt View Post
I agree absolutely. It is axiomatic that any diagnosis, particularly with vaguely defined symptoms, be illuminated by careful clinical assessment. However to aim to do an "all-encompassing assessment" on every patient is neither practical nor productive. On the principle that common things occur commonly the most likely diagnosis should be considerd as a hypothesis to be confirmmed by a limited but focussed assessment. This could include a "theraputic trial" of standard physiotherapy modalities, or something like trying a walking stick, as suggested. At the end of the day the search is for a benefit, not a diagnosis. If something works it doesn't matter how or why it works (at least for that patient - questioning the mechansm of how therapy works is most useful in appraising potential management of subsequent patients) JP Driver-Jowitt

As a manipulative physiotherapist I do no personally find differentiating Lumbar derangment from gluteal dysfunction or injury much of a stretch and certainly it wouldn't require an "all-encompassing assessment"

I would be deeply dissapointed if i saw a physio who precribed a gait aid for my sporting injury! You would never see me again. I hope this wouldnt lead you to (incorrectly) assume that i was fixed and did not need further treatment.