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Phalen’s Test: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Screening
You’re evaluating a patient with wrist pain and numbness in their thumb and index finger. They’ve been typing more than usual, and you suspect carpal…
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Tinel’s Sign: Nerve Irritation Test
What is Tinel’s Sign? Tinel’s sign (tih-NELLZ sign) is a neurological provocation test used to identify nerve irritation or regeneration. It involves gently percussing (tapping)…
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Straight Leg Raise Test (SLR): Sciatica and Nerve Root
You’re in the middle of a lumbar evaluation, and the patient reports sharp pain shooting down the back of their leg when you lift their…
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FABERE Test (Patrick’s): Hip and Sacroiliac Assessment
You’re in the middle of a hip evaluation, and the patient groans as you guide their leg into that classic figure-four position. You’re performing the…
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Visual Analog Scale (VAS): Pain Measurement Tool
You’ve just handed your patient a 10-centimeter line and asked them to mark their pain level. It seems so simple, but the Visual Analog Scale…
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Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): Consciousness Assessment
You’re evaluating a patient in the ICU who is not following commands and has a decreased level of arousal. Before you can even think about…
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Thomas Test: Hip Flexion Contracture Assessment
You’re in the middle of a comprehensive orthopedic evaluation, and your patient—a 45-year-old runner with chronic anterior knee pain—is lying supine on the table. To…
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Ober’s Test: IT Band Tightness Assessment
The Silently Tight Hip: Why Ober’s Test is Your First Stop for Lateral Hip Pain You know that patient who complains of lateral hip pain…
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McMurray’s Test: Meniscus Tear Detection
You’re in the middle ofa knee evaluation, and your patient reports a catching sensation deep inside the joint. You need a test to help you…
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Lachman’s Test: ACL Integrity Test
You’re in the middle of a knee evaluation, and the patient tells you their knee “gave out” during a soccer game. The joint is swollen,…
