Which item is a safety precaution or contraindication for PAMS?

• A. Chronic stable anemia
• B. Excellent proprioception
• C. Acute inflammation or acute edema
• D. Recent surgery

Answer: (C)

Acute inflammation or acute edema signals that the tissue is in an active, sensitive healing phase. Applying a modality like PAMS during this phase can increase local blood flow and inflammatory activity, potentially worsening swelling, pain, and tissue irritation or prolonging healing. Because of that, acute inflammation or edema is a direct safety precaution and contraindication for this treatment.

Chronic stable anemia doesn’t automatically limit PAMS use, since there isn’t a direct tissue reaction risk from the modality itself. Excellent proprioception is a positive functional status and doesn’t pose a safety issue. Recent surgery can be a precaution, depending on the site and healing stage, but it isn’t as universally contraindicating as an active inflammatory state.