Ch 8 - Physical Modalities Flashcards
What are examples of physical modalities?
- Thermotherapy (heat and cold modalities)
- Hydrotherapy
- Light therapy (ultraviolet [UV] radiation, laser)
- Electrotherapy
- Manual therapy (traction, therapeutic massage, manipulation, mobilization)
- Pressure
- Acupuncture
What is an outcome of thermotherapy?
Combined use of heat and stretching has been shown to significantly increase tendon extensibility
What are contraindications of heat therapy?
Ischemia Bleeding disorders Impaired sensation Inability to communicate Malignancy Acute trauma or inflam Scar tissue Edema Atrophic skin Poor thermal regulation
What does heat do to scar tissue?
Inadequate vascular supply can lead to ischemic necrosis
What is conduction?
Transfer of heat between two bodies at different temperatures through direct contact
What is convection?
Transfer of heat occurs by fluid circulation (typically liquid or gas) over the surface of a body
What is conversion?
Heat transfer occurs through conversion of electromagnetic radiation (nonthermal energy) into heat energy
What is Superficial heat?
Radiant heat (infrared lamps)
Where is US absorption greatest?
Absorption (heating) is greatest at the bone–muscle soft-tissue interface
What are indications of US?
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis (calcific tendinitis)
- MSK pain
- Degenerative arthritis and contracture
- Small joints used underwater but only if water is degassed
- Subacute trauma
What are contraindications of US?
- General heat CI
- Near brain, cervical ganglia, spine, laminectomy sites
- Near the heart, reproductive organs
- Near pacemakers
- Near tumors
- Gravid or menstruating uterus
- At infection sites
- On contact lenses, eyes
- Skeletal immaturity
- TKA or TKA prostheses with methyl methacrylate or high density polyethylene
- Arthroplasties
What is the frequency of US for treatment?
0.8 to 1.1 MHz
What is the frequency of US for treatment of tendinits/bursitis?
1.2 to 1.8 W/cm2 (0.5 to 2.0 W/cm2 range)
What is the duration of US treatment?
5 to 10 minutes per site
What is Phonophoresis?
US to drive medications through the skin by increasing cell permeability
What is Shortwave diathermy?
Produces deep heating through the conversion of radio wave electromagnetic energy to thermal energy
What is MC frequency of Shortwave diathermy?
27.12 MHz
What does Shortwave diathermy provide?
Heat over a larger area as well as deep heat to 4 to 5 cm depth
When is the Inductive coil method indicated?
When heat to more superficial muscles or joints with minimal total superficial tissue is desired
What are indications for Shortwave diathermy?
- Muscle spasms (especially low back)
- Myalgia
- Refractory pelvic inflammatory disease
- Chronic prostatitis
How does cold decrease spasticity?
– Dec muscle spindle activity—dec firing rates of Ia and II afferent fibers
– Dec Golgi tendon organ activity—dec firing rates of Ib afferent fibers
What is cold evaporation used for?
Spray-and-stretch techniques to treat myofascial and musculoskeletal pain
What are effects of UV radiation on wounds?
Increased vascularization of wound margin
What are indications of UV radiation treatment?
Psoriasis treatment—utilizes Goeckerman’s technique, where a coal–tar ointment is applied to the skin prior to UV treatment
