physical agent modalities & process of applying a modality

Question 1

what is a physical agent modality?

Answer 1

intervention or technologies that produce a response in soft tissue through the use of light, water, temperature, sound or electricity.

Question 2

what are the types of physical agent modalities?

Answer 2

• paraffin, hot packs, cold packs, fluidotherapy, contrast baths, whirlpool
• ultrasound, NMES, TENS, Iontophoresis

Question 3

what are the first three things you do in the process of applying a modality?

Answer 3

indications: identify the appropriate modality by considering indications

preparing the patient: describe to the patient what you will be doing, the purpose of the modality, what they may experience, and how long they will be engaged with the modality.

positioning: position the patient so that the body part is in a relaxed position and they are in a comfortable position.

Question 4

what are the next three things you do in the process of applying a modality?

Answer 4

precautions & contraindications: assure this is a safe treatment by asking questions to rule out precautions and contraindications.

        - precautions: think about it, make an informed decision about whether we should continue by asking more questions, things we do to prevent harm.
        - contraindications: these are reasons we would decide not to do soothing as it may cause more harm.

skin integrity & sensation: asses the patients skin integrity, check their sensation

application: apply the modality

Question 5

what are the last few things you do in the process of applying a modality?

Answer 5

response: assess responses shortly after beginning the modality and again at the end by asking questions and inspecting the skin.
document: the site of application, method of application, parameters of the treatment (settings), duration of treatment, and patient response.