Which is NOT a component of the HOPS method of injury assessment?

The HOPS method of injury assessment is an organized approach specifically designed for evaluating injuries in a sports medicine context. It stands for History, Observation, Palpation, and Special Tests. Each component of HOPS serves a unique purpose in the injury assessment process.

Physical therapy, while essential for rehabilitating injuries, is not a direct component of the HOPS assessment framework. HOPS focuses on gathering information about the injury and assessing it immediately after occurrence, rather than on treatment methodologies like physical therapy, which come into play later in the recovery process.

Observation entails visual inspection to identify deformities, discoloration, or swelling, whereas palpation involves physically examining the injured area to identify tenderness or abnormal sensations. Special tests (often referred to in practice as stress tests) are specific maneuvers that assess the function of the injured structure. Thus, the inclusion of physical therapy as an assessment method does not align with the HOPS methodology, which is strictly evaluative rather than therapeutic.