Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content ++ 562 Diverticula of intestine562.01 Diverticulitis of small intestine (without mention hemorrhage)562.11 Diverticulitis of colon (without mention of hemorrhage) ++ 718.45 Contracture of joint; pelvic region and thigh781.2 Abnormality of gait728.89 Other disorders of muscle, ligament, and fascia728.2 Muscular wasting and disuse atrophy, not elsewhere classified729.9 Other and unspecified disorders of soft tissue719.70 Difficulty in walking involving joint site unspecified782.3 Edema315.4 Developmental coordination disorder786.05 Shortness of breath780.7 Malaise and fatigue786.0 Dyspnea and respiratory abnormalities ++ K57.12 Diverticulitis of small intestine without perforation or abscess without bleedingK57.32 Diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding ++ As of November 2012, the APTA Guide to Physical Therapist Practice does not include practice patterns for organ system pathology. Therefore, the associated or secondary musculoskeletal, cardiovascular/pulmonary, or potential neuromuscular patterns would be indicated +++ Description ++ Focal inflammation of the diverticula (sacs) in any part of the digestive tract but most commonly in the large intestine1Secondary problems such as weakness, gait abnormalities and limited aerobic enduranceMay be acute, post-operative, chronic, viral or bacterially related, or congenital/hereditaryDiverticulosis are pouches in the wall of the colon, when inflamed called diverticulitis +++ Essentials of Diagnosis ++ Individuals may be referred to PT with complaints of back pain, or anterior chest and shoulder pain, which is not attributable to the structures in that anatomical areaDiagnosis for more occult problems may take time and require intensive medical diagnostic testingSudden onset may mimic colon cancer or tumors, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, or gynecological problems in females such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or ectopic pregnanciesAbdominal pain often on left side of abdomen (may start slow and worsen over days, but this is less common)It is not the purview of a physical therapist to medically diagnose a GI pathology, but rather to recognize the possibility in the differential diagnosis process, especially when the findings are not consistent with conditions commonly treated (musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary, cardiopulmonary) +++ General Considerations ++ May result in secondary problems such as aerobic capacity and muscle endurance impairment, sarcopenia, weakness/impaired muscle performance, musculoskeletal problems, neuromuscular problems, weight loss, or weight gain, indicating the need for physical therapy intervention depending on severityChronic diarrhea, episodic diarrhea, loss of bowel control (incontinence or urgency), and blood in stool may be symptomatic of diverticulitis +++ Demographics ++ Most common after 40 years of ageLow fiber dietsThose who lack exerciseObesityUncommon in third world or developing countries +++ Signs and Symptoms ++ Left lower quadrant painConstipation; chronic, acuteAbdominal or stomach pain or cramping, often left sided with sudden onsetAbdominal (stomach or intestinal) pain after ingesting food or liquidDifficulty swallowing (related to esophageal diverticulitis)... Your Access profile is currently affiliated with '[InstitutionA]' and is in the process of switching affiliations to '[InstitutionB]'. Please click ‘Continue’ to continue the affiliation switch, otherwise click ‘Cancel’ to cancel signing in. Get Free Access Through Your Institution Learn how to see if your library subscribes to McGraw Hill Medical products. Subscribe: Institutional or Individual Sign In Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Forgot Password? Forgot Username? Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth