A patient diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease begins a supervised treadmill exercise regimen. After two minutes of ambulation, the patient reports the onset of claudication symptoms rated as 3/10 on a pain scale. What is the physical therapist’s MOST appropriate initial response?

1. Encourage the patient to continue until symptoms become more painful
2. Reduce the speed and grade of the treadmill until symptoms resolve
3. Allow the patient to rest, resuming ambulation once symptoms have subsided
4. Discontinue use of the treadmill and select an alternative mode of exercise


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