Physical Modalities Flashcards
activities of daily living (ADL)
common acts performed during a person’s normal day
body mechanics
the efficient use of the body to prevent injury to the health care provider or patient
cryotherapy (cold)
causes blood vessels to constrict, preventing or minimizing swelling and reducing pain; used in the initial treatment of an injury
diathermy
deep heat therapy using a mechanical energy source
ergonomics
adaptation of the environment and use of techniques and equipment to prevent injury
gait
person’s way of walking
hydrotherapy
hot or cold water regimens used for therapy
isometric exercise
a type of exercise that contracts opposing muscles without the muscles shortening
passive exercise
exercises performed on the patient by another person or a mechanical device
physical medicine (physiatry)
deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disease and disability using physical means, such as diathermy
range of motion (ROM)
passive or active; the patient or caregiver exercises joints by performing standard joint motions (flexion and rotation) to maintain or improve the movement
rehabilitative medicine
deals with restoring or improving function impaired by disease or injury
repetitive movement injuries
tissue damage, usually to the tendons or bursae, caused by frequent repetition of the same motion
resistant exercise
exercises performed with counter pressure applied to increase the effectiveness and to determine improvement
thermotherapy (heat)
reduces swelling and decreases pain by improving circulation; it is not used in acute phase of injury
