Physical therapy Flashcards
What is key for heat therapy to be helpful?
The acute process of the inflammatory process needs to be over before heat will work.
Best for chronic conditions such as hematoma resolution or reduction of joint contractions.
Heat therapy through superficial contact is known as?
Conduction!
Includes heat packs, paraffin baths, warm whirlpools
What is the reflex hyperemia effect?
Also known as the hunting effect or response.
Seen with hot-cold contrast baths.
Very good for stimulating circulation, reducing muscle fatigue, edema and treating RSD.
Always start and end with cold!! Alternate at 1 minute.
What are two contraindications to deep heat therapy modalities?
Includes ultrasound, Phonophoresis, and Diathermy.
Contraindicated when there is a pace maker or metal implant.
What effect do ultramachines work by?
Piezolectric effect.
An electric field is applied to certain crystal, as they begin to vibrate they form ultrasonic sound waves.
What are the contraindications for ultrasound?
There are many! Cant use it on... Areas with embolism Anesthetized skin Epiphyseal areas in children Bony prominences Vascular diseases Acute infection Arund metal implants and malignancies Patients with pacemakers.
Benefits of cryotherapy?
Decrease swelling
Decrease inflammation
Muscle relaxation
Analgesia
Whats the difference between a high TENS unit and a low TENS unit?
High TENS (100 to 500 Hz) releives pain by blocking the pain fibers.
Low TENS (1 to 50Hz) relieves pain by endorphin release. Due to 4 hour half life of endorphins needs to be used 15-30 minutes at a time.
What should the height of crutches be set at?
Adjust the height of the crutches to allow two fingers width between the axilla and the axillary pad.
The hand piece is adjusted to allow 30 degrees of elbow flexion.
How should walking canes be measured?
The size of the cane is measured from the greater trochanter to the ground.
Elbow should be flexed at 30 degrees (same as crutches)
the cane is held in the hand opposite the affected leg or foot.
