Clinical Assessment & Treatment Planning Flashcards

A patient has an open abrasion over the area planned for treatment. What should the clinician do?

Answer: Avoid instrument treatment over the open wound

Open wounds are a local contraindication, so instrument treatment over the site must be avoided.

A clinician wants to treat a tendon while it is under tension to better reach restricted tissue. Which positioning strategy fits this goal?

Answer: Put the tissue in a lengthened or functional position during treatment

Treating tissue in a lengthened or functional position helps reveal and address restrictions.

Which of the following is generally a contraindication to Graston Technique?

Answer: Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis carries a risk of dislodging a clot, so it is a contraindication.

After the first session, a patient's symptoms rise sharply and stay high for several days. What is the most appropriate change to the plan?

Answer: Lower the treatment intensity and reassess tolerance

A prolonged flare suggests the dose was too high, so intensity should be reduced and the patient reassessed.

In a typical GT treatment plan, how are sessions usually spaced for a chronic condition?

Answer: About once or twice a week, allowing recovery between sessions

Sessions are usually spaced to allow tissue recovery, commonly around one to two per week.

Which part of the subjective history is most useful for choosing between GT and immediate referral?

Answer: Red-flag symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, night pain, or fever

Red flags may point to serious pathology that needs medical referral before soft tissue treatment.

Why is strengthening included after instrument treatment in the Graston protocol?

Answer: To load remodeling tissue and support functional recovery

Progressive loading helps newly mobilized tissue adapt and restores function.