What's a Physical Therapist to do if a Patient has a Venous Thrombosis?

Okay, first of all, sometimes the physical therapist is the one encouraging diagnostic testing.  How does a physical therapist reach a conclusion diagnostic testing for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is warranted?  I'd like to think the majority of physical therapists are familiar with Well's Criteria for DVT.  So, the patient does have a DVT and is prescribed an anticoagulant... then what?

What is the role of a physical therapist after the patient has been diagnosed with a DVT?  There continues to be a controversy revolving around bed rest - to stay in bed or not?  How many days?  When is it safe to get out of bed?  Of course the reason for the controversy lies in the simple fact that a DVT can be deadly in the event of a pulmonary embolism.  Is current evidence changing the controversy? 

Raegan Muller, PT and Robyn Teply, PharmD will be addressing the topic of management of venous thrombosis on February 19 from 1-3:45 pm during the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting.

~Selena