General diagnostics in physiatry

Physiatric diagnostics include complex clinical, laboratory, electrophysiological and imaging tests that reveal the causes of pain and limited function. Early recognition of functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system is essential so that the physiatrist can properly steer rehabilitation towards the earliest possible recovery. Modern technology and complex laboratory diagnostics are used in a targeted way to confirm the diagnosis and to monitor diseases and conditions. The medical history – what the patient reports – is especially important, and very often it is the key to successful diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostic ultrasound has become an important part of physiatric diagnostics and is an integral part of the work at our medical centre. Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, conventional X-rays, electromyography with nerve conduction studies and scintigraphy, together with the most complex laboratory work-ups of metabolic, inflammatory and degenerative bone and muscle diseases carried out at partner institutions, only gain their true value when an expert – a specialist physiatrist – also reviews them.

In a physiatrist's everyday clinical practice, the stethoscope, otoscope, blood pressure monitor, goniometer, inclinometer, podoscope, tuning fork, capillaroscope, microscope, dynamometer and colour thermography are of course also used. Our physiatrists at Faktor Zdravlje Polyclinic use all these devices and instruments in diagnostics every day.