What should a physical therapist do when a patient shows no improvement?

When a patient shows no improvement during physical therapy, the appropriate course of action is to review the treatment plan and make necessary adjustments. This process is essential because it acknowledges that each patient responds differently to therapy and that sometimes the initial plan may not be effective for specific conditions or individual patient needs.

Reviewing the treatment plan allows the physical therapist to evaluate the reasons behind the lack of progress. This may involve conducting a comprehensive assessment, determining if there are obstacles affecting the patient’s response to treatment, or identifying if the goals set are realistic and achievable. By making the adjustments, the therapist can tailor interventions that better suit the patient’s situation, potentially leading to improved outcomes.

Continuing with the same plan without reassessment may exacerbate the patient's condition or prolong recovery unnecessarily. Similarly, discharging the patient outright or referring them to another provider without analyzing the current treatment approach does not support the continuity of care or address the underlying issues that may require modification in the therapy strategy. Ultimately, reviewing and adjusting the treatment plan supports a patient-centered approach, promoting better overall care and outcomes.