What should a physical therapist assess before beginning a treatment plan?

Assessing the patient's medical history and current functional status is crucial before beginning a treatment plan. This comprehensive understanding allows the physical therapist to identify any underlying health conditions, previous injuries, or surgeries that could impact treatment. Moreover, evaluating the current functional status provides insight into the patient's capabilities and limitations, thus enabling the therapist to design an effective and personalized treatment plan that addresses the individual's specific needs.

While understanding the patient's medication list, motivation levels, and family history of diseases are important factors, they do not encompass the full range of information necessary to establish a solid foundation for treatment like the medical history and functional status do. For instance, medication could influence treatment outcomes, but without knowing the full clinical picture of the patient's health and mobility, the therapist may overlook essential considerations that directly affect the treatment approach.