Contraindications and Restrictions for Physical Therapy: What You Need to Know

If you have ever been to a physical therapist, you know that they will always ask you about your medical history and any current health conditions. This is so that they can create a treatment plan that is safe and effective for you. But what happens if your PT discovers that you have a contraindication or restriction?

Contraindications are conditions or factors that would make a certain treatment or type of exercise inappropriate for a patient. For example, if you have a heart condition, your PT may not want you to do any exercises that put too much strain on your heart.

Restrictions are similar to contraindications, but they are usually less serious. For example, if you have a sprained ankle, your PT may restrict you from doing any exercises that put too much pressure on your ankle.

At Specialized Physical Therapy, we want to tell you that if your PT does find that you have a contraindication or restriction, don't worry! There are usually plenty of other exercises and treatments that they can do with you that will be safe and effective. So, if your PT tells you that you have a contraindication or restriction, just listen to their advice and follow their instructions.