Annual Musculoskeletal and Balance Check-Up
In physical therapy, an annual musculoskeletal and balance check-up is considered essential preventive care. Through this assessment at Munger Physical Therapy, early signs of decline or risk of injury are identified to help prevent problems from developing and strengthen the body where it needs attention the most.
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Assessing the Wellness of a Hardworking Body
If you are an athlete, of a certain age, or employed in a job that requires lifting, stretching, or physical work, you could be at greater risk of developing bodily injury or extremity problems. There is a good chance you have already been through physical therapy at least once for support and repair.
Even when joints, muscles, and bones are healed from a past injury and no longer compromised, you can benefit from preventive care to determine if you are at risk of bodily injury in other ways. An annual musculoskeletal and balance check-up assesses the following:
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Balance
- Movement patterns
- Joint function
- Signs of decline
- Risk of injury
Exams Included in Annual Musculoskeletal and Balance Check-Ups
An annual musculoskeletal and balance exam includes several types of check-ups to evaluate function, form, and strength to get patients into their best possible condition, improve performance, and reduce the chances of injury. The most common exams include the following:
- Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Seven movement assessments evaluate movement to identify poor patterns and strengthen good patterns.
- Power output testing. Stamina and endurance are measured here. Your physical therapist identifies how much work can be performed in a short time.
- Y balance test. Balancing skills are tested here for single limbs, lower body or upper body, as well as motor control and strength. Your therapist will evaluate the symmetry between both sides of your body to predict the risk of injury.
- Balance and posture screening. Another balance test, this evaluation looks at balance when you are static and moving, as well as gait and posture irregularities that could contribute to falls.
- Motion and flexibility assessments. This evaluation looks at joint mobility and strength in the various planes of motion – left and right, front and back, top and bottom
Do You Need Preventive Physical Therapy?
As we age, our bodies decline naturally, even if you work diligently to keep them strong, conditioned, and moving. Muscle mass fades, as well as strength, balance, and nerve function. The result is an increased fall risk and reduced mobility.
Anyone can request an annual musculoskeletal and balance check, particularly when you reach a certain age, have recovered from injury or illness, or are preparing to enter a sport and want to excel. Talk to a physical therapist about preventive care if you are in one of the following categories:
- Over age 30 and suffering early but obvious physical decline.
- Older adult at risk of falling and wishing to maintain independence.
- Patient with a history of chronic pain or previous musculoskeletal injuries.
- Recipient of early diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis.
- Athlete or active patient who wants to reduce risk of injury and maintain performance.
Tailoring Physical Therapy Assessments to Your Needs
At Munger Physical Therapy, we tailor all assessments to a patient’s unique needs based on their medical and health history, physical therapy history, and lifestyle and exercise preferences. We help you establish a baseline to track progress in the future and make comparisons annually to see where you have progressed or may have deteriorated.
Identifying instability, joint pain, muscular problems, or other complications during an annual musculoskeletal and balance check can save you from months, years, and even a lifetime of physical difficulties and discomfort.
Schedule a consultation with one of our experts to develop recommendations based on your goals and assessment findings, from home exercise plans to injury prevention tips.
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