In which scenario would manual therapy be contraindicated?

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach to treating various physical ailments, but it comes with considerations regarding patient safety. In the scenario where a patient has a known fracture, manual therapy would be contraindicated because applying pressure or mobilization to an area with a fracture could exacerbate the injury, lead to further tissue damage, or hinder the healing process. It is essential for physical therapists to avoid manipulating fractured bones directly, as this could cause pain, displacement, or complications.

In contrast, the other scenarios listed may have varying degrees of appropriateness for manual therapy. Acute pain can sometimes benefit from careful manual techniques under specific circumstances, while chronic musculoskeletal issues often respond well to manual therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Tension headaches may also see improvements with certain manual interventions. However, the presence of a fracture necessitates avoiding manual therapy to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.