Chapter 12: Therapeutic Physical Modalities
Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2 Therapeutic Modalities These are the various heating, cooling, and mechanical/electrical methods of treatment for the human body.
Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 3 Thermal Modalities Cryotherapy refers to the use of cooling agents. Cold decreases feeling by reducing the ability of nerve endings to conduct impulses.
Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 4 Thermal Modalities (cont.) Cold compress therapy utilizes both cold and compression to help alleviate inflammation and swelling.
Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 5 Thermal Modalities (cont.) Hydrocollators use specifically designed heat packs to administer long-term warmth.
Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 6 Thermal Modalities (cont.) Ultrasound involves therapeutic deep heating produced by high- frequency sound waves.
Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 7 Thermal Modalities (cont.) Sample Ultrasound Parameters ConditionFrequencyDuty Cycle Deep muscle adhesion1 MHz100% Deep bursitis1 MHz20 – 50% Superficial scar3 MHz100% Superficial tendonitis3 MHz20 – 50%
Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 8 Thermal Modalities (cont.) Ultrasound at 3 MHz will penetrate up to 2 cm and at 1 MHz will penetrate up to 5 cm.
Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 9 Electrical Modalities E-Stim (electrical stimulation) uses electrical impulses to produce muscle contraction. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) uses electrical impulses to reduce pain by stimulating the sensory pain receptors.