Differential Diagnosis — Chapters & Study Resources

Choose how you want to learn.

Use the history, examination and symptom trajectory to decide whether to continue PT, coordinate medical assessment or activate an emergency pathway. These are concise PT screening lessons, not a medical diagnostic algorithm.

Explore the four units

Begin with screening foundations, then learn regional, systemic and referral decisions.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS 4 UNITS · 14 CHAPTERS

01Screening Foundations, Spine & PelvisChapters 01–04 · interview, systems review, spine and pelvic symptoms 02Regional Symptoms & Referred PainChapters 05–07 · leg, upper extremity and chest-region referral 03Cardiopulmonary, Visceral & Metabolic ScreeningChapters 08–11 · heart, lungs, visceral and metabolic clues 04Systemic Warning Signs, Skin & ReferralChapters 12–14 · systemic concerns, skin and safe handoff

Practice referral decisions

Three cases ask how to respond to exertional chest symptoms, new bladder/saddle findings, and a painful dermatomal rash.

Open the three screening cases →

Current screening reference points

Screening decisions depend on onset, progression, associated symptoms, examination and local pathways. A cluster of findings changes risk without proving a diagnosis. Use these current resources alongside your lecture notes.

Real-world skin photo references are linked to the CDC Public Health Image Library in Chapter 13; images are not reproduced here until individual suitability and reuse review.

Educational PT-school companion only—not a standalone medical diagnosis, clearance tool, emergency care protocol or NPTE pass guarantee. Follow scope, current evidence, medical team and local escalation procedures.