Physical Therapy Red vs Green Flags

Why It Matters

Recognizing these signals helps patients choose PT that promotes recovery and return-to-activity while avoiding unnecessary tests, ineffective passive treatments, and stalled progress, which can raise costs and prolong disability.

Summary

The video outlines red and green flags to evaluate physical therapists, contrasting cookie-cutter care with evidence-based practice. Red flags include rigid prescriptions (only three sets of 10), mandatory imaging before starting therapy, blanket rest or RICE until pain resolves, heavy reliance on passive/manual therapy, and failure to progress load. Green flags are individualized, progressive loading and functional movements (eg, deadlifts, squats with knees over toes when appropriate), measurable progression of weight, tolerance of post-session soreness, and teaching patients to self-manage flare-ups.