Physical Agent Contraindications

Question 1

What are the contraindications to resistance exercise?

Answer 1

Pain

Inflammation

Severe cardiopulmonary disease

Question 2

What are the contraindications to superficial heat?

Answer 2

Recent or potential hemorrhage

Thrombophlebitis

Impaired sensation

Impaired mentation

Malignant tumor

IR treatment over the eyes

Question 3

What are the contraindications to superficial cold?

Answer 3

Cold hypersensitivity

Cold intolerance

Cryoglobulinemia

Paroxysmal cold hemoglobulinuria

Raynaud’s disease

Over regenerating peripheral nerves

Over an area with circulatory compromise or PVD

Question 4

What are the contraindications to ultrasound?

Answer 4

Malignant tumor

Pregnancy

CNS tissue

Joint cement

Plastic components

Pacemaker (6 inches away)

Thrombophlebitis

Eyes

Reproductive organs

Question 5

What are the contraindications to NMES/RUSSIAN/FES?

Answer 5

Cardiac pacemaker or unstable arrhythmias (avoid in thoracic, cervical, shoulder, upper lumbar, and chest)

Placement over carotid sinus

Areas where venous or arterial thrombosis are present

Pregnancy (on abdomen or low back)

When contraction of muscle may disrupt healing

Question 6

What are the contraindications to TENS/IFC?

Answer 6

Cardiac pacemaker or unstable arrhythmia (avoid in thoracic, cervical, shoulder, upper lumbar, and chest)

Placement over carotid sinus

Areas where venous or arterial thrombosis are present

Pregnancy (abdomen and low back)

When muscle contraction may disrupt healing