Intro to Physical Agents

Question 1

What is a physical agent (modality)?

Answer 1

Various forms of energy and materials applied to patients to assist in their rehabilitation

Question 2

3 Categories of Modalities

Answer 2

1) Thermal
2) Mechanical
3) Electromagnetic

Question 3

What do thermal agent do?

Answer 3

Transfer energy to produce an increase or decrease in tissue temperature (superficially or deep)

Question 4

Examples of Thermal Agents

Answer 4

• Hot pack
• Diathermy
• Ice pack
• Ice Massage

Question 5

What do mechanical agents do?

Answer 5

Apply mechanical force to increase or decrease pressure in or on the body

Question 6

4 categories of mechanical agents

Answer 6

• Traction – decreases pressure between structures
• Compression – increases pressure
• Water – provides resistance, hydrostatic pressure
• Sound – uses alternating waves of compression and rarefaction

Question 7

Examples of Mechanical Agents

Answer 7

• Traction
• Game Ready
• Stockings
• Hydrotherapy
• Ultrasound
• Phonophoresis

Question 8

What do electromagnetic agents do?

Answer 8

Apply electromagnetic energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation or an electrical current

Question 9

Electromagnetic energy vs. Electrical Currents

Answer 9

• Electromagnetic energy vary the frequency and intensity to produce desired treatment effects
• Electrical Currents vary waveform, intensity, duration and direction of current flow to produce desired treatment effects

Question 10

Examples of Electromagnetic Agents

Answer 10

• UV
• TENS
• Laser
• IFC
• Russian
• Premod

Question 11

According to the APTA the ______ use of modalities is not considered PT

Answer 11

exclusive

Question 12

5 Components of the Disablement Model

Answer 12

1) Pathology
2) Impairment
3) Functional Limitation
4) Disability
5) Handicap

Question 13

The effects of physical agents are primarily at what level?

Answer 13

Impairment

Question 14

Effects of Physical Agents

Answer 14

• Reduce or eliminate soft tissue inflammation
• Reduce or eliminate circulatory dysfunction
• Modify the healing rate for soft tissue injury
• Modulate pain
• Modify tone
• Alter collagen extensibility
• Remodel scar tissue
• Treat skin conditions

Question 15

3 Phases of Inflammation and Healing

Answer 15

1) Inflammatory Phase
2) Proliferation Phase
3) Remodeling (Maturation) Phase

Question 16

How long is the inflammatory phase?

Answer 16

1-6 days

Question 17

During the inflammatory phase what are the goals of modalities used?

Answer 17

• Assist in reducing circulation
• Reducing pain
• Reducing the enzyme activity rate
• Controlling motion
• Promoting progression to the proliferation phase of healing

Question 18

When does the proliferation phase begin? How long can it last?

Answer 18

Starts within the first 3 days after injury

Can last up to 20 days

Question 19

During the inflammatory phase what are the goals of modalities used?

Answer 19

• Increasing circulation
• Increasing the enzyme activity rate
• Promoting collagen deposition and progression to the remodeling/maturation phase of healing

Question 20

When does the remodeling phase begin? How long can it last?

Answer 20

Starts approximately 9 days after the initial injury

Can last for up to 2 years

Question 21

During the inflammatory phase what are the goals of modalities used?

Answer 21

• altering the balance of collagen deposition and resorption

- improving the alignment of new collagen fibers

Question 22

What are Contraindications?

Answer 22

conditions that render a particular form of treatment improper

Question 23

What are precautions?

Answer 23

conditions under which a form of treatment should be applied with special care and limitations

Question 24

When choosing a physical agent what are the steps/things you should consider?

Answer 24

1) Determine the goals and effects of treatment
2) What are the contraindications and precautions?
3) What is the evidence for physical agent use?
4) What is the cost, convenience and availability?
5) What are the patient and clinician comfortable with?