Special Populations & Adaptations Flashcards

An elite athlete wants Graston treatment the day before competition. Which approach is most appropriate?

Answer: Use lighter pressure focused on mobility to minimize post-treatment soreness

Pre-competition sessions should be lighter to avoid soreness or petechiae that could impair performance.

A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is experiencing an acute flare with a hot, swollen wrist. What is the best decision?

Answer: Avoid treating the inflamed joint during the acute flare

Acute inflammatory conditions are a relative contraindication and should not be aggravated by instrument work.

Which patient population most requires careful monitoring because of impaired ability to communicate discomfort?

Answer: Patients with cognitive impairment such as dementia

Patients who cannot reliably report pain need closer visual monitoring and conservative pressure.

A patient with a healed burn scar wants treatment to improve mobility. How should the clinician proceed?

Answer: Proceed cautiously with light pressure, monitoring skin response

Burn scars are a relative contraindication and require gentle, monitored treatment due to fragile tissue.

Which condition is a contraindication because of increased risk of systemic complications from bruising and tissue breakdown?

Answer: Uncontrolled hypertension

Uncontrolled hypertension is listed as a contraindication to Graston Technique.

For an obese patient with thick subcutaneous tissue, which adaptation is most appropriate?

Answer: Select an instrument shape that conforms to the area and adjust angle while respecting tolerance

Instrument selection and angle are adjusted to body contour, while pressure stays within patient tolerance.

A patient presents with an area of active myositis ossificans in the thigh. What is the appropriate action?

Answer: Do not treat over the affected area

Myositis ossificans is a contraindication because instrument pressure may worsen the condition.