Treatment Planning & Protocols Flashcards

A complete laser therapy treatment plan documentation should include all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Patient's insurance billing code history for unrelated conditions

Insurance billing history for unrelated conditions is not a clinical component of a laser therapy treatment plan record; all other options are essential laser therapy documentation elements.

When a patient reports a temporary increase in pain 24–48 hours after the first laser therapy session, this phenomenon is best described as:

Answer: A paradoxical flare response that may occur as part of normal healing, often resolving spontaneously

A transient pain flare after the first one or two sessions is a recognized response in some patients and typically resolves within 24–48 hours without adverse consequence.

For cervical radiculopathy treatment planning, the laser probe should be directed along which anatomical path?

Answer: Along the affected nerve root exit foramina, paravertebral muscles, and down the dermatomal distribution of the arm

Cervical radiculopathy protocols address the nerve root at the foraminal level, the surrounding musculature, and the full dermatomal distribution of radicular symptoms.

A therapist is establishing a treatment protocol for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The recommended intraoral probe technique should be used to:

Answer: Reach the medial joint capsule and pterygoid muscles inaccessible from external application

An intraoral probe allows treatment of the medial TMJ capsule and medial pterygoid muscle that cannot be adequately reached with standard external probe placement.

When setting up a protocol for lymphedema management using laser therapy, treatments should be sequenced to:

Answer: Begin proximally to clear drainage pathways before treating distal congestion

In lymphedema protocols, treating proximal lymph node regions first opens drainage pathways so that subsequent distal treatment mobilizes fluid effectively.

A therapist evaluating treatment plan effectiveness for a patient with chronic Achilles tendinopathy should use which outcome measure as a primary functional indicator?

Answer: Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment – Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire

The VISA-A is a validated, condition-specific outcome measure for Achilles tendinopathy that quantifies pain, function, and activity participation.

In developing a protocol for post-mastectomy radiation fibrosis, the therapist should plan to apply photobiomodulation with the primary intent to:

Answer: Stimulate collagenase activity and fibroblast remodeling to reduce scar stiffness and improve tissue extensibility

PBMT for radiation fibrosis targets fibroblast activity to promote collagen remodeling, reducing tissue stiffness and improving range of motion.