Musculoskeletal System Interventions Flashcards
7 cards from real NPTE-PT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Musculoskeletal System Interventions flashcards as text
A physical therapist is applying ultrasound over a recent scar tissue formation. Which parameter is MOST appropriate to promote tissue extensibility?
Answer: 3 MHz, continuous, moderate intensity (1.0–1.5 W/cm²)
3 MHz continuous ultrasound heats superficial tissue (1–2 cm depth) most effectively, and moderate intensity in continuous mode increases collagen extensibility.
Which exercise is considered CLOSED kinetic chain for the lower extremity?
Answer: Wall squat (wall slide)
A wall squat is a closed kinetic chain exercise because the foot remains in contact with a fixed surface, causing simultaneous multi-joint motion under load.
A patient with adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) in the freezing phase is best managed with which intervention priority?
Answer: Pain management and gentle ROM within pain-free range
In the freezing phase, pain is the dominant symptom; management focuses on pain control and gentle pain-free ROM to avoid exacerbating the inflammatory process.
Which grade of joint mobilization is used primarily to reduce pain with minimal tissue stretch?
Answer: Grade I
Grade I mobilizations are small-amplitude oscillations at the beginning of range used primarily for pain modulation via neurophysiological mechanisms.
A patient recovering from a hamstring strain (grade II) is progressing to sport-specific training. Which criterion BEST indicates readiness to advance?
Answer: Hamstring strength ≥90% of the uninvolved side with no pain during eccentric loading
Return to sport requires hamstring strength symmetry (≥90%) and pain-free eccentric loading to reduce re-injury risk during high-speed running.
Which approach is MOST evidence-based for treating non-specific chronic low back pain?
Answer: Active exercise and cognitive-behavioral approaches
Current evidence strongly supports active exercise combined with cognitive-behavioral strategies for chronic low back pain over passive treatment approaches.
A patient with de Quervain's tenosynovitis is referred for physical therapy. Which intervention is MOST appropriate initially?
Answer: Thumb spica splinting and activity modification
Initial management of de Quervain's tenosynovitis includes thumb spica splinting to rest the APL and EPB tendons and activity modification to reduce irritation.