In PT practice, why is screening for yellow flags important?

• A. To identify modifiable psychosocial prognostic factors to guide treatment.
• B. To replace imaging.
• C. To determine eligibility for therapy.
• D. To assess nutrition.

Answer: (A)

Screening for yellow flags centers on recognizing psychosocial factors that can influence recovery from pain and disability. These factors—such as fear of movement, catastrophizing, beliefs about pain, mood and stress, confidence in recovery, and social support—are often modifiable. Identifying them early allows you to tailor the treatment plan to address these barriers, using education, graded activity, coping strategies, and other psychosocial approaches. This can improve engagement, adherence, and overall outcomes by treating not just the physical symptoms but the factors that shape prognosis. It’s not about imaging, eligibility for therapy, or nutrition—the value lies in guiding how you treat to optimize recovery.