Lower Extremity Reflex Testing: Guide for Physical Therapists [Disc Bulge, Herniation Diagnosis]

By dpope2020

September 22, 2023

achilles reflex, achilles tendon, ankle reflex, dan pope, deep tendon reflex test, deep tendon reflexes, fitness pain free, knee jerk reflex, knee jerk reflexes, knee reflex, knee reflexes, lower extremity reflex testing, lower extremity reflexes, lower limb reflexes, lumbar spine reflex tests, lumbar spine reflexes, Physical Examination (Diagnostic Test), physical therapist, physical therapy, physiotherapy, reflex test, reflex testing, reflex tests

Lower Extremity Reflex Testing: Guide for Physical Therapists [Disc Bulge, Herniation Diagnosis]

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In today's video we go over Lower Extremity Reflex Testing: Guide for Physical Therapists [Disc Bulge, Herniation Diagnosis]: 

In today's video, we dive deep into the world of reflex testing for the lower extremity, helping you to get a more accurate diagnosis in your patients with disc pathology and radicular low back pain.

Discover how to use reflex tests as a powerful tool in differentiating lumbar radiculopathy from other conditions.

We'll show you step-by-step how to assess reflexes in the patellar and Achilles tendons, helping you identify the specific level of injury. But here's the kicker...

Reflex testing isn't foolproof, and we'll explain why.  We'll delve into the sensitivity and specificity of these tests and what it means for your diagnosis. Your patients deserve the best care, and we're here to help you deliver it.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more valuable insights.

  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:09 - What is reflex testing
  • 0:25 - Problems with diagnostics
  • 0:48 - Performing reflex testing
  • 1:45 - Achilles tendon reflex testing
  • 2:30 - Conclusion 

Reflexes off the chart...

- Dan Pope DPT,OCS,CSCS

Show Notes / Relevant Articles:

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Thank you!

Dan Pope DPT, OCS, CSCS

References: 

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Images:

  1. Intervertebral disc: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:716_Intervertebral_Disk.jpg attribution: OpenStax College, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Herniated disc: source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:728_Herniated_Disk.jpg attribution: OpenStax College, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Functional Spinal Unit: source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Functional_spinal_unit_(FSU).webp attribution: Irina Nefedova, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Spinal Canal: source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spinal_canal.webp attribution:Irina Nefedova, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Dermatomes: source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dermatomes_labeled,_female_front-back_3d-shaded.svg attribution: Goran_tek-en, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  6. Epidural: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Epidural_Anesthesia.png Attribution: BruceBlaus, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons Modified by Fitness Pain Free LLC