Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy: Recognizing Non-Musculoskeletal or Unusual Causes of Pain

Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy: Recognizing Non-Musculoskeletal or Unusual Causes of Pain is organized by DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) and will be held on Jun 14, 2025 at Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Main Campus, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America.

Description:
This course focuses on enhancing diagnostic skills for physical therapists to effectively identify and address non-musculoskeletal or unusual causes of pain. Participants will learn to recognize red and yellow flags and differentiate between musculoskeletal and systemic pathologies. Using real-world case studies, the course emphasizes the integration of patient history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic tools to identify conditions with atypical presentations. Hands-on practice of specific tests and measures will help participants refine their approach to complex cases.

Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the attendee should be able to:

• Identify non-musculoskeletal conditions mimicking musculoskeletal pain
• List common signs and symptoms related to those conditions
• Identify red flags of serious underlying conditions
• Apply differential diagnosis principles through case studies
• Perform tests and measures to assist in the differential diagnostic process
• Recognize early warning signs and symptoms to prevent missed diagnoses
• Accurately recognize when to refer a patient for further evaluation