Medical Exercise Assessment: Step 3 - Functional Interview

Episode Title: 7 Steps of the Medical Exercise Assessment - Step 3: Functional Interview

Episode Summary In this episode, Dr. Mike covers step three in the seven-step medical exercise assessment process: the in-depth medical history and functional interview. Building on the initial pre-assessment phone call, this step involves a structured conversation to determine exactly how a client's condition impacts their daily life and to establish clear functional goals.

Key Takeaways

• Go Beyond Medical Information: The purpose of this structured conversation is not simply to collect medical data, but rather to determine how the medical condition affects the client's daily life.
• Essential Questions to Ask: To fully understand the client's situation, you need to ask what activities are the most difficult, what symptoms are the most severe, what capabilities have been lost, and what specific activities they want to regain.
• Identify Functional Goals: This portion of the assessment is where the client gets to weigh in on what they want to achieve, as your primary goal is to help them get back to what they were doing before the injury, surgery, or onset of the condition. Pay close attention to seemingly simple goals, like wanting to "walk to the end of the block with my grandchildren," as these are the actual reasons they sought out your services.
• Establish Functional Outcome Measures: The functional goals identified by the client can be used as functional outcome measures to track their progress. Reminding a client that they have successfully attained a goal they set in their first session will make them feel great, make you look fantastic, and encourage them to tell others about your practice.
• Build Professional Credibility: Always make sure to document these functional outcome measures and share the client's progress with their physician, therapist, and chiropractor. Doing this will go a long way toward enhancing your professional credibility.

Resources Mentioned

• Free eBook: Begin developing your medical exercise training practice by downloading the Medical Exercise Training 101 eBook at www.met101ebook.com.
• Contact the Host: If you have questions for Dr. Mike, please email him at drmike@postrehab.com.