09/28/2026
What does a PT actually look at during an evaluation? 👀
Hint: It’s a LOT more than “Where does it hurt?”
When you come to PT, we’re looking at the whole picture to figure out what may be contributing to your symptoms and what your body needs to get back to doing what you love.
🦴 Mobility
Is a joint moving well? Are there areas that are limited—or maybe moving more than they need to?
💪 Strength
Are there specific muscles or movement patterns that aren’t keeping up with the demands you’re placing on them?
🎯 Movement quality
How do you squat, lunge, reach, jump, run, lift, or perform the activity that’s bothering you?
🧠 Motor control
Can you control the movement—not just complete it?
🏋️ Capacity
Can your body tolerate the amount of load, volume, speed, or intensity your activity requires?
📈 Training & activity history
What changed before your symptoms started? More volume? More intensity? Less recovery? A new movement?
😴 The bigger picture
Sleep, stress, recovery, workload, and other factors can all influence how your body responds to training and activity.
And most importantly…
We’re not just asking, “What hurts?”
We’re asking:
“Why might this be happening, what is limiting you, and what do we need to build back up?”
Because the goal of an evaluation isn’t just to find the painful spot.
It’s to figure out how to get you back to doing what you love. 💪
