Special Populations & Adaptations Flashcards

A 72-year-old patient with thin, fragile skin presents with chronic shoulder stiffness. Which Graston adaptation is most appropriate?

Answer: Use lighter pressure, shorter treatment duration, and more emollient

Older adults often have thinner, less resilient skin, so pressure and duration should be reduced and lubrication increased.

A patient taking warfarin asks about Graston treatment. How should the clinician classify this situation?

Answer: Relative contraindication requiring caution and reduced pressure

Anticoagulant use is a relative contraindication because of increased bruising and bleeding risk, so treatment must be modified.

Which finding in a patient with diabetes most requires modification of Graston treatment to the lower extremity?

Answer: Peripheral neuropathy with reduced sensation

Reduced sensation limits the patient's ability to report excessive pressure, increasing the risk of tissue injury.

A pregnant patient in her second trimester has low back pain. Which approach best reflects Graston guidelines?

Answer: Treat with caution, avoiding the abdomen and using comfortable positioning such as side-lying

Pregnancy is a relative contraindication, so clinicians avoid the abdomen and adapt positioning and pressure.

Which skin condition in the treatment area is a contraindication to Graston Technique?

Answer: Active contagious skin infection

Contagious or infected skin should never be treated with instruments due to spread and tissue damage risk.

A patient on long-term oral corticosteroids presents with Achilles tendinopathy. Why should the clinician use caution?

Answer: Corticosteroids can weaken connective tissue and increase skin fragility

Chronic corticosteroid use can thin skin and weaken tendons, making tissues more vulnerable to injury.

For a young adolescent athlete with Osgood-Schlatter–related knee pain, which Graston consideration is most important?

Answer: Avoid aggressive pressure over the open growth plate at the tibial tubercle

Skeletally immature patients require gentle treatment and avoidance of aggressive pressure over growth plates.