This first major component of the disablement model refers to disruptions of the body’s homeostasis as the result of acute or chronic diseases, disorders, or conditions characterized by a set of abnormal findings (clusters of signs and symptoms) that are indicative of alterations or interruptions of structure or function of the body primarily identified at the cellular level. Identification and classification of these abnormalities of anatomical, physiological, or psychological structure or process generally trigger medical intervention based on a medical diagnosis.

Physical therapists in all areas of practice treat patients with a multitude of pathologies. Knowledge of these pathologies (medical diagnoses) is important background information, but it does not tell the therapist how to assess and treat a patient’s dysfunction that arises from the pathological condition. Despite an accurate medical diagnosis and a therapist’s thorough knowledge of specific pathologies, the experienced therapist knows full well that two patients with the same medical diagnosis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and the same extent of joint destruction (confirmed radiologically) may have very different severities of impairment and functional limitation and, consequently,

very different degrees of disability. This emphasizes the need for physical therapists to always pay close attention to the impact(s) of a particular pathology on function when designing meaningful management strategies to improve functional abilities.

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