Physiotherapy Flashcards
What does Cryotherapy do (2) and when is it used?
used in early, acute conditions
uses cold therapy to:
slow nerve conduction times and therefore reduce pain
reduce tissue damage (enzyme reactions are slowed down so less inflammation and damage)
What can we use to administer cryotherapy? (4)
Cryogel packs (these are re-freezable)
Cryocuff
Ice bath immersion
Vapour coolant
How is Cryotherapy administered using a cuff?
Usually cryocuff is wrapped in a towel to avoid frostbite/ burns- 10 mins on and then 10 mins off
Apply every 2-4 hours
When is thermotherapy indicated and why?
Used when patient is not ambulatory/ not in the acute phase (so 1-2 weeks after injury) because heat will make the swelling, heat and pain worse
Why does massaging the tissue improve healing? (3)
Relaxation- lowered stress & endorphin release reduces pain
Direct activation of neuropeptide release in the nervous system
Improves circulation and lymphatic flow
What is the aim of PROM (passive range of motion)? (4)
Reduce hypertonicity/ stiffness
Improve muscle tone
Improve muscle length and flexibility
Stimulate golgi tendon organs
When can we start massage physiotherapy?
day 1-2 for neuro patients
day 2-3 for orthopaedic patients
When can PROM physio begin and how often?
1 day post op- 15-20 repetitions 2-4 times a day
Early weight bearing post op can help to… (4)
stimulate bone healing
minimise disuse atrophy
accelerate soft tissue healing
improve neuromuscular control
What are the three most common electrotherapies used?
Photobiomodulation (laser therapy)
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation
Therapeutic ultrasound
What is the difference between Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS)?
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation targets motor nerves whereas TENS targets sensory nerves
How does ultrasound work and when is it most useful?
Works via a heating effect
Most useful for deep tissue injuries such as tendons (penetrate far) and for collagen rich tissues
How does Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) work?
an electrical current is applied to the patient that depolarises a motor nerve and causes muscle fibre contraction
What are the advantages of Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)? (2)
increases muscle mass, strength and oxidative capacity in a time efficient way
may also have analgesic effects
How does Photobiomodulation (laser therapy) work?
targets cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria to upregulate the cell and increase ATP production
