A chiropractor writes a prescription for a patient to receive 30-minute massage sessions once a week, focused on the cervical area. During a scheduled session, the client asks the practitioner to work on the lower legs and feet because she went for a jog earlier.

What is the best course of action for the practitioner to take?

A. Call the chiropractor and ask for verbal permission to modify the treatment plan.

B. Modify the original treatment plan to incorporate the legs and feet and inform the chiropractor of the changes made to this session.

C. Continue with the original treatment plan and inform the client that the legs and feet may be addressed in the next session after consulting with the chiropractor.

D. Have the client sign a new treatment plan and send a copy to the chiropractor.

The best course of action is to continue with the prescribed treatment plan for the cervical area and inform the client that adjustments to the treatment focus can be considered after consulting with the chiropractor. This ensures the effectiveness of the treatment while considering the client's needs.The correct answer is C. Continue with original treatment plan and inform client that the legs and feet may be addressed in the next session after consulting with the chiropractor.

Explanation:

If a chiropractor writes a prescription for a patient to receive 30-minute massage sessions focused on the cervical area, and the client requests to change the area of focus during a session, the best course of action for the practitioner would be option C: Continue with the original treatment plan and inform the client that the legs and feet may be addressed in the next session after consulting with the chiropractor. This approach maintains the integrity of the prescribed treatment while also acknowledging the client's request. It respects the professional judgment of the chiropractor and ensures that any adjustments to the treatment plan are made with their input.

Chiropractic therapy and massage therapy are both integral parts of a holistic approach to musculoskeletal health. However, making changes to a treatment plan without consulting the prescribing professional may lead to suboptimal outcomes or even harm. It is essential for practitioners to communicate effectively with both their clients and other healthcare professionals involved in the client's care.