You Are a Male Therapist Evaluating a New Female Patient

Multiple Choice

You are a male therapist evaluating a new female patient who has hip pain. The patient seems very anxious and uncomfortable. Prior to initiating the evaluation, you ask if she would prefer a female therapist. She assures you that she is comfortable with you. As the examination progresses, you determine that you need to palpate the groin area. She seems uneasy but insists that she wants to proceed. What could you do to decrease her anxiety about the situation?

A) Allow her to stay out in the gym during the treatment so she is not alone with you
B) Dim the lights in the room
C) Bring in a female to be present during the assessment
D) Perform a quick palpation while looking away from the patient