How should new, persistent lymphadenopathy be handled in physical therapy?

How should new, persistent lymphadenopathy be handled in physical therapy?

• A. Consider infection or malignancy; defer deep tissue therapy and refer for medical evaluation if persistent.
• B. Continue deep tissue therapy.
• C. Apply heat therapy only.
• D. Prescribe antibiotics.

Answer: (A)

New, persistent lymphadenopathy is a red flag that requires medical evaluation rather than standard PT treatment. Lymph node swelling can arise from infections or more serious conditions like malignancy, so the safest course is to defer any deep tissue therapy over the affected area and refer the patient for medical assessment if the swelling is new and persists. This helps prevent delaying diagnosis or masking symptoms while ensuring the underlying cause is properly evaluated. Antibiotics are not within a physical therapist’s scope, so referral is essential to determine whether medical management is needed. If there are additional red flags—fever, night sweats, unintended weight loss, or a hard, fixed, or rapidly enlarging node—urgent referral is warranted.

New, persistent lymphadenopathy is a red flag that requires medical evaluation rather than standard PT treatment. Lymph node swelling can arise from infections or more serious conditions like malignancy, so the safest course is to defer any deep tissue therapy over the affected area and refer the patient for medical assessment if the swelling is new and persists. This helps prevent delaying diagnosis or masking symptoms while ensuring the underlying cause is properly evaluated. Antibiotics are not within a physical therapist’s scope, so referral is essential to determine whether medical management is needed. If there are additional red flags—fever, night sweats, unintended weight loss, or a hard, fixed, or rapidly enlarging node—urgent referral is warranted.