Elbow joint examination

[Blakey]

I have my practical exams in a few weeks and need some help with which muscles can be tested over the elbow. Can anyone help? thanks

[st1417]

Hi Blakey,
where are you training, all this information should be covered in your practical training, As an assessor in this industry I would be looking for a professional assessent of all ranges of movement available at the joint, then muscle testing of the muscles that are responsible for those movements, any muscles that cross the joint could and should be tested.
Hope that helps ,without giving you the answer, I feel it is important for you to research and learn the process that is involved.
if you need further help please post here and I will keep checking back,
ST1417

[Smartie]

I agree with the above post... Any good anatomy book will guide you in a far better direction than most of us can on here... As far as I am concerned, if I were examining this joint assessment then I would be expecting you to show off your knowledge as much as you can - the more origins, insertions, innervations etc of each muscle you can demonstrate, the higher the mark I would give, simple as!

[Blakey]

The principles of joint assessment and examination are covered on the course but I'm finding it difficult in knowing which muscles to test as it is not possible to isolate them all. Im studying with Sports Rehab and Education, its a diploma in sports therapy and is distance learning, the practical weekends are held in Bury, Manchester.

[st1417]

Hi Blakey,
I have tried to gain sight of the course syllabus, but the Sports Rehab and Education website seem sto list no courses, is it a mainly distance learning? how many practical weekends do you do?, In my opinion these type of joint exams should be taught practically. Distance learning is a great and cost effective way of student directed learning for the basics, however this is wholly reliant on intrinsic motivation,but when you get to more detailed examinations techniques you need to have some kind of visual and kinesthetic tutor centred learning experience.
Who is the course leader? surely they would be the best person with whom to bring up these concerns. On the courses that I am involved with we have an independant welfare officer/assessor from an external stakeholder in the course who students can turn to  for advice or to discuss any part of the courses that dont meet the needs of the student group. Students recieve regular tutorials as part of a process to identify potential shortcomings in inclusive practice. The courses do have a "homestudy package" covering A&P, industry background and subjects identified within the syllabus that require prior knowledge and understanding, all treatments and assessment modaliities are covered at length in practical training.
I think that the Application process currently stagnating somewhere in the beurocratic minefield was flawed and ill prepared, but I do think that some kind of process of regulation and standardisation would be in all our benefits within this industry.

A standard practitioner level qualification with acceptance from PAs would be a great starting point, doing away with the likes of BSY and Stonebridge or 2 day diploma type courses should   be a pre requisite of any firther progress, I dont disagree with E-learning or distance learning in certain subject areas, but anything that involves practising physical techniques on another human being should be practically taught.
ST1417

[Muscolino]

with any msk assessment, there is plenty of info out there to help you through. depending on depth and specifics of the assesment, should guide your practice. Like smartie and ST have said already.

A good book is by kendal and kendal: Testing structure and function. or the clasic Hoppenfield: Physical examination of the spine and extremities. Other more recent athours are Petty: NMSK assessment is also a good reference.
Still, all the text books wont replace practice, and supervison and more practice

i just realised i am probably writing too late, so the question remains..... how did you go blakey?