What is the first step when evaluating mobility in a new patient?

Conducting a thorough health history and physical assessment is essential as the first step when evaluating mobility in a new patient. This process provides valuable insights into the patient's overall health status, existing medical conditions, past injuries, and any previous mobility issues or functional limitations. Gathering this information helps establish a baseline understanding of the patient's mobility and the factors that may influence it, guiding the clinician in tailoring a comprehensive mobility evaluation.

The health history can uncover relevant details such as neurological conditions, musculoskeletal problems, or cardiovascular issues that could affect mobility. The physical assessment allows for the evaluation of the patient's strength, balance, coordination, and range of motion. Together, these components form the foundation for creating an effective mobility assessment and determining appropriate interventions. If this step is not taken, important context may be missed, which could lead to incomplete evaluations or inappropriate care plans.