What should a physical therapist do if they encounter an absolute contraindication?

In clinical practice, an absolute contraindication refers to a specific situation or condition in which a particular treatment or intervention should not be performed under any circumstances. The reasoning for discontinuing physical therapy in the presence of an absolute contraindication is based on the necessity to protect the patient from potential harm or adverse effects that could result from proceeding with treatment.

For instance, if a patient has a condition such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), initiating therapeutic exercises could exacerbate their condition and lead to severe complications. By recognizing that "no PT" is appropriate in these circumstances, the therapist is prioritizing patient safety above all else.

In such scenarios, the therapist may need to refer the patient to another healthcare professional for further assessment or intervention tailored to address the identified contraindication. This ensures that the patient receives appropriate care while mitigating risks associated with the contraindicated condition.