[1.1] Introduction to Modalities

Question 1

what makes up the biopsychosocial model?

Answer 1

Biology + Psychology + Social Environment = Person

Question 2

3 components of EBP

Answer 2

best available evidence + patient/client values and circumstances + clinical expertise

Question 3

explain the process of the PT patient and client management

Answer 3

examination –> evaluation

• evaluation can go 3 routes: referral, diagnosis, or prognosis
• diagnosis + prognosis both lead to intervention
• intervention leads to outcomes
• everything branching off of the evaluation has the ability to circle back to the evaluation for further decision making

Question 4

the use of biophysical agents serves what role? why?

Answer 4

• the use of biophysical agents serves as a complementary role through a conservative approach
• the use of biophysical agents in the absence of other interventions should not be considered to be physical therapy unless there is documentation that justifies the necessity of their exclusive use

Question 5

what considerations should be considered through the delivery of biophysical agents?

Answer 5

therapeutic efficacy
therapeutic effectiveness
cost-benefit + risk-benefit ratios 
emerging therapies
limited therapeutic scope

Question 6

what is the ICF model

Answer 6

[1] health condition(s)
[2] body fxn/structures, activities, participation
[3] environmental factors, personal factors

Question 7

pt is experiencing pain, based on the therapeutic spectrum, what electrophysical agents would be beneficial? (6)

Answer 7

Cryotherapy
Thermotherapy
Hydrotherapy
Shortwave diathermy
TENS
Iontophoresis

Question 8

pt is experiencing edema, based on the therapeutic spectrum, what electrophysical agents would be beneficial? (3)

Answer 8

Cryotherapy
Hydrotherapy
Limb Compression

Question 9

pt is experiencing joint motion restriction, based on the therapeutic spectrum, what electrophysical agents would be beneficial? (6)

Answer 9

Thermotherapy
Shortwave diathermy
NMES
Spinal traction
CPM
Ultrasound

Question 10

pt is experiencing muscle spasm(s), based on the therapeutic spectrum, what electrophysical agents would be beneficial? (4)

Answer 10

Cryotherapy
Hydrotherapy
Shortwave Diathermy
Spinal Traction

Question 11

pt is experiencing muscle weakness/atrophy, based on the therapeutic spectrum, what electrophysical agents would be beneficial? (1)

Answer 11

NMES (neuromuscular E-stim)

Question 12

pt is experiencing dermatosis, based on the therapeutic spectrum, what electrophysical agents would be beneficial? (1)

Answer 12

Ultraviolet

Question 13

pt is experiencing wounds/wound healing, based on the therapeutic spectrum, what electrophysical agents would be beneficial? (4)

Answer 13

E-stim for tissue healing and repair
Thermotherapy
Low-level laser therapy
Hydrotherapy

Question 14

pt is experiencing bone healing, based on the therapeutic spectrum, what electrophysical agents would be beneficial? (2)

Answer 14

LIPUS

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy

Question 15

pt is experiencing muscle, tendon, and ligament healing–based on the therapeutic spectrum, what electrophysical agents would be beneficial? (3)

Answer 15

Low-level laser therapy
Ultrasound
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy

Question 16

considerations for therapeutic selection

Answer 16

therapeutic spectrum
judicious selection + timely application
framework for selection (stage of tissue healing, therapeutic goals, etc.)

Question 17

what is the BOTTOM LINE regarding modalities as a whole?

- also address 4 points regarding this bottom line

Answer 17

BOTTOM LINE: “YOU NEED TO VALIDATE YOUR ASSUMPTIONS.”

4 points regarding this bottom line:

• Recognized part of the field of PT
• Non-invasive complement to other therapeutic interventions
• Need to adopt EBP approach to use of biophysical agents
• Need to consider cost-benefit and risk-benefit with delivery