1. Chapter 12: Therapeutic Physical Modalities

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 5 Thermal Modalities (cont.)  Hydrocollators use specifically designed heat packs to administer long-term warmth.

6. Copyright ©2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 6 Thermal Modalities (cont.)  Ultrasound involves therapeutic deep heating produced by high- frequency sound waves.

7. 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%

8. 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.

9. 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.