What does HOPS stand for?
History, Observation/Inspection, Palpation, Special Tests.
What does HOPE stand for?
History, Observation/Inspection, Palpation, Evaluation of Function.
Why is history considered the most important step of evaluation?
It provides mechanism of injury, symptoms, and context to narrow down possible injuries.
Key questions to ask in history?
What happened? How did it happen (MOI)? Where does it hurt?
Why avoid leading questions in history?
They bias the athlete’s answers and may miss important details.
What can continuing to play after injury indicate?
Likely rules out major fractures or complete tears.
Why ask about previous injuries?
Prior injury increases reinjury risk and gives context for current symptoms.
Why ask athlete to point with 1–2 fingers to pain site?
Helps identify exact location and distinguish from diffuse pain or referred pain.
Why ask about sudden vs. gradual onset of pain?
Sudden = traumatic; gradual = chronic/overuse.
Examples of pain descriptions you might ask?
Sharp, dull, aching, throbbing.
Why ask about sounds/feelings (pop, snap)?
Can indicate ligament tear, fracture, or dislocation.
When does observation begin?
As soon as you see the athlete approach.
Why compare to the uninvolved side during inspection?
To spot asymmetry, swelling, deformity.
What do deformities often indicate?
Fracture, dislocation, or grade 3 tear.
What does discoloration usually indicate?
Bruising that is at least a couple days old.
Why is swelling not always a measure of severity?
Some major injuries swell slowly; some minor ones swell quickly.
What can scars indicate?
Previous surgery or injury.
Why start palpating away from painful site?
To gauge athlete’s baseline and reduce guarding.
What should you compare during palpation?
Injured side vs. uninvolved side.
What might crepitus during palpation indicate?
Fracture or inflammation in tendon/sheath.
What does point tenderness in a ligament suggest?
Sprain.
What does diffuse tenderness in a muscle suggest?
Strain or soreness.
What does active ROM test?
Muscle and tendon function.
What does passive ROM test?
Ligaments, joint structures, end feel.
