Assessment of the peripheral circulation: an update for practitioners

This article describes the comprehensive assessment of the peripheral circulation. With greater understanding of haemodynamics and the mechanisms of circulatory dysfunction associated with disease and normal processes such as ageing, physical therapists are in a better position to assess and treat circulatory Impairment. Since adequate circulation is fundamental to function, circulatory assessment is an integral component of any assessment regardless of whether vascular dysfunction is a primary problem. Some tests that are performed in peripheral vascular laboratories are described, as well as those tests that can easily be performed by therapists. The interpretation of the results of these tests and the implications for more rational physical therapy treatment are described.