A client asks the trainer to diagnose persistent knee pain. What is the appropriate response?
- ARefer to a licensed professional, and tell the client which condition the symptoms suggest
- BExplain it is outside scope and refer to a licensed professional
- CRefer to a massage therapist, since persistent knee pain is usually soft-tissue related
- DRun the overhead squat assessment first, and refer only if a knee compensation appears
Show answer and explanations
Answer
B
Diagnosing pain is outside a personal trainer's scope of practice. The trainer explains this and refers the client to a licensed healthcare professional.
A
Referral is right, but naming the condition the symptoms suggest is still a diagnosis.
C
Deciding the pain is soft-tissue related is itself a diagnosis, and a massage therapist cannot evaluate persistent joint pain.
D
The OHSA identifies movement compensations, not injuries; persistent pain needs referral whatever the assessment shows.
B
Diagnosing pain is outside a personal trainer's scope of practice. The trainer explains this and refers the client to a licensed healthcare professional.