Hand elevation test: How to perform, interpret, and compare
Most clinicians reach for Phalen’s test by default when they suspect carpal tunnel syndrome. Yet one of the best-performing provocative tests in the CTS toolkit rarely gets the same attention. The hand elevation test delivers a specificity of approximately 98.5% in its original validation study, making false positives far less likely than with Phalen’s or […]
Illinois Agility Test: Protocol, norms, and scoring guide
Coaches and rehabilitation clinicians need a way to measure how fast an athlete can change direction, and the Illinois Agility Test has been the standard field answer since 1979. This guide covers the exact course setup, the step-by-step protocol, how to score a trial, and the one validated normative table that exists for it. What […]
ICD-10 Code M18.0: Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of the thumb (CMC) joints
ICD-10 Code M18.0 is a billable ICD-10-CM code for bilateral primary osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joints, the saddle-shaped joints at the base of each thumb. It describes wear-and-tear (idiopathic) arthritis in both thumb basal joints, with no prior injury or secondary cause. This reference covers the code’s billable status, hierarchy, inclusion terms, related-code comparisons, […]
Foot stress fracture test: Clinical tests, home checks, and imaging
A positive single-leg hop test and point tenderness point to a foot stress fracture. MRI confirms it when early X-rays miss it.
Manual muscle testing: Grades, technique, and clinical use
Most physiotherapy students learn the 0-5 scale in their first semester. Applying it consistently is the harder skill, especially at the top of the scale, where the difference between a 4 and a 5 can change a discharge decision. Manual muscle testing is one of the most widely used assessment tools in rehabilitation, sports medicine, […]
Finkelstein test: Procedure, interpretation, and clinical workflow
Radial-sided wrist pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal presentations in physical therapy, sports medicine, and occupational health practices. Without a reliable provocation test, distinguishing De Quervain’s tenosynovitis from intersection syndrome, basilar thumb arthritis, or a scaphoid injury is largely guesswork. The Finkelstein test addresses this directly: a simple, reproducible maneuver that stresses the […]
Deep Oscillation Therapy Template
Download your free deep oscillation therapy protocol template Deep Oscillation Therapy Aftercare Guidelines A comprehensive post-treatment protocol covering patient care instructions, recovery expectations, safety considerations, and activity guidelines to optimize healing outcomes following deep oscillation therapy sessions. Download template Deep oscillation therapy: Clinical reference guide for practitioners Deep oscillation therapy is a non-invasive physical therapy […]
Resisted external derotation test: How to perform and interpret
Lateral hip pain accounts for a substantial share of musculoskeletal presentations in primary care and physical therapy practices, yet it remains one of the most misdiagnosed regions in the body. The resisted external derotation test gives clinicians a fast, reliable bedside tool to determine whether the gluteal tendons are the likely pain source, narrowing the […]
Barlow and Ortolani test: Technique, interpretation, and referral
Missed developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most litigated conditions in pediatric primary care. The Barlow and Ortolani test is the frontline screen used to catch it. Most cases are detectable at birth with a careful physical examination. However, clinical audit data consistently shows that examination technique varies widely between practitioners. […]
Chiropractic billing cheat sheet: CPT and ICD-10 codes
Download your free chiropractic billing cheat sheet A comprehensive reference guide combining CPT codes 98940-98943, ICD-10 diagnosis codes by spinal region, billing modifiers, Medicare rules, subluxation documentation requirements, and common claim denial fixes. Download template A chiropractic billing cheat sheet consolidates the CPT codes, ICD-10 pairings, and Medicare modifier rules chiropractors need for accurate claims […]