Question

While under the oversight of a PT, a patient performs a neurodynamic mobility exercise to reduce neural tension in the upper extremity. Following the therapy session, the patient calls the clinic to report increased neural symptoms with prolonged paresthesias. The MOST appropriate response by the physical therapist during the next session would be to:

A. Explain that this sensation is normal and continue working in the same range
B. Refer the patient back to the orthopedic physician
C. Explain to the patient that this sensation is abnormal and decrease the range used
D. Re-evaluate the patient and determine if there is a different source of their pain
Feedback

Answer 1

The PT should re-evaluate the patient's condition and adjust the treatment plan accordingly, potentially by reducing the range of motion to decrease neural tension or referring the patient back to a physician if necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient reports increased neural symptoms and prolonged paresthesias after performing a neurodynamic mobility exercise under oversight of a physical therapist (PT), the most appropriate response during the next session would be to re-evaluate the patient's condition. This is essential to identify any possible exacerbation or mismanagement of the patient's symptoms. During the re-evaluation, the PT should assess the range of motion, neural tension, the functionality of relevant joints, and perform various neurological tests if necessary. This will help in identifying a potential different source of their pain or discomfort. The PT should carefully listen to the symptoms reported by the patient and adjust the treatment plan accordingly, which might involve decreasing the range of motion to reduce neural tension or referring the patient back to a physician if the symptoms indicate a serious underlying issue.