Ultimate Review Pt. 3 Flashcards
emphysema
develops from a long history of chronic bronchitis. alveolar walls present with significant pathology and air spaces are permanently over inflated. pink puffers. expiration is difficult. characterized as centrilobular, panlobular or paraseptal. symptoms include: dyspnea, chronic cough, orthopnea, barrel chest, increased use of accessory muscles, and increased RR.
restrictive pulmonary disease
lungs fail to fully expand due to a weakened diaphragm, structural inability of chest wall to expand, and a decrease in elasticity of lung tissue. symptoms include: shortness of breath, persistent non-productive cough, increased RR. results in a decrease in all lung volumes.
tuberculosis
bacterial infection that is transmitted by airborne fashion (coughing, sneezing, speaking). lungs are primarily involved, however TB can occur in kidneys, lymph nodes, and meninges. lesions in the lungs can be seen with x ray. symptoms: fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, low grade fever, productive cough, chest discomfort, and dyspnea. treatment includes anti-tb drug therapy. prevention of TB through immunization is recommended for children.
pharmacological intervention for pulmonary management
bronchodilator agents, inhaled corticosteriod agents, mucolytic agents, expectorant agents, antiasthmatic agents. examples: albuterol, serevent, epnephrine, vanceril, flovent, decadron, mucosil, plumozyne, guafenesin, terpin hydrate, intal, tilade
transfers: levels of phys assistance
…
independent
patient does not require any assistance to complete task
supervision
patient requires therapist to observe throughout completion of task
contact guard
patient requires therapist to maintain contact with patient to complete task. usually needed to assist of there is a loss of balance
min assist
patient requires 25% assist from therapist to complete task
mod assist
patient requires 50% assist from therapist to complete task
max assist
patient requires 75% assist from therapist to complete task
dependent
patient is unable to participate and therapist must provide all effort to perform task
3 person carry/lift
used to transfer patient from a stretcher to a bed or treatment plinth. 3 therapists carry patient in supine position. therapist at head usually gives commands.
2 person lift
used to transfer a patient btwn two surfaces of different heights or when transferring a patient to the floor.
dependent squat pivot transfer
used to transfer a patient who cannot stand independently, but can bear some weight thru the trunk and LEs. therapist should position patient at a 45 degree angle to the destination surface. patient places UEs on therapist’s shoulders, but should not pull on therapist’s neck. should position patient at edge of surface, hold patient around hips and under butt, block patients knees in order to avoid buckling. therapist should utilize momentum, straighten his or her legs and raise patient or allow patient to remain squatting, and pivot and slowly lower patient to destination surface.
sliding board transfer
used for a patient who has some sitting balance and some UE strength and can adequately follow directions. patient should be positioned at edge of w/c or bed and should lean to one side while placing one end of sliding board under proximal thigh. other end should be position on destination surface. use both arms to initiate a push up and scoot across board. therapist should guard in front of patient and assists as needed as patient performs a series of push ups across the board.
stand pivot transfer
used when a patient is able to stand and bear weight through one or both of LEs. must possess functional balance and ability to pivot.
wheelchair facts
…
adult w/c specs:
seat width: 18 inches, set depth: 16 inches, seat height: 20 inches
hemi-height w/c
decreased seat height (17.5 inches) to allow for propulsion using the unaffected foot
rear wheel axles
can be positioned 2 inches posteriorly from normal for patients with amputations to increase the BOS and to compensate for diminished weight in front of w/c
reclining w/c
allow intermittent or constant reclined positioning
tilt-in-space w/c
allow for reclined position without losing required 90 degrees of knee flexion. entire chair reclines without any anatomical changes in positioning.
standard w/c measurements for proper fit
seat height/leg length: 19.5 to 20.5 inches. measure from user’s heel to popliteal fold and add 2 inches to allow clearance of foot rest.
seat depth
measure from user’s bottom along lateral thigh to popliteal fold, then subtract approx 2 inches to avoid pressure from front edge of seat against popliteal space. 16 inches average.
seat width
measure the widest aspect of user’s bottom or hips and add aprx 2 inches. will provide space for clothing and clearance of trochanters from armrest side panel. approx 18 inches is average.
back height
measure from seat of chair to floor of axilla with user’s shoulder flexed to 90 and then subtract 4 inches. this will allow final back height to be below inferior angles of scapula. 16-16 1/2 inches average.
armrest height
measure from seat of chair to olecranon process with user’s elbow flexed to 90 and then add one inch. average usually 9 inches above chair seat.
assistive devices
parallel bars, walkers, axillary crutches, lofstrand crutches, canes
parallel bars
proper fit includes bar height that allows for 20-25 degrees of elbow flexion while grasping bars approx four to six inches in front of body.
walker
can be used with all levels of weight bearing. should allow for 20-25 degrees of elbow flexion. used with 3 point gait pattern
axillary crutches
all levels of weight bearing, but requires higher coordination for proper use. 6 inches in front, two inches out (lateral) to patient. crutch height should be adjusted no greater than 3 finger widths from axilla. handgrip height should be adjusted to ulnar styloid process and allow for 20-25 degrees of elbow flexion while grasping.
lofstrand (forearm) crutches
20-25 degrees of elbow flexion while holding handgrips with crutches 6 inches in front and 2 inches lateral. arm cuff should be positioned 1 to 1 1/2 inches below olecranon process so it does not interfere with elbow flexion
cane
provides minimal stability and support during ambulation, mainly for balance.
NWB
non weight bearing
TTWB
toe touch weight bearing
PWB
partial weight bearing
WBAT
weight bearing as tolerated
FWB
full weight bearing
2 point gait
when patient uses 2 crutches or canes. moves left crutch forward while simultaneously advancing rt lower extremity ad vice versa.
3 point gait
walker or crutches. injured lower extremity may have decreased weight bearing. AD is advanced followed by injured LE and then uninjured LE. AD and each LE are considered separate points
4 point gait
each advancement of crutch or cane as well as LEs indicates a single point, used one at a time.
swing to gait
patient with bilateral trunk and or LE weakness uses crutches or a walker and advances LEs at the same time only to point of AD.
swing through
advances LEs thru AD
arterial line
monitoring device consisting of a catheter that is inserted into an artery and attached to an electronic monitoring system. used to measure blood pressure or obtain blood samples. considered more accurate than traditional measures of blood pressure and does not require repeated needle punctures
external catheter
applied over shaft of penis and is held in place by a padded strap or adhesive tape
foley catheter
indwelling urinary tract catheter that has a balloon attachment at one end. balloon which is filled with air or sterile water must be deflated before catheter can be removed
suprapubic catheter
indwelling urinary catheter that is surgically inserted directly into patient’s bladder. insertion of a suprapubic catheter is performed under general anesthesia
swan-ganz catheter
soft, flexible catheter that is inserted through a vein into pulmonary artery. used to provide continuous measurements of pulm artery pressure. can exercise with device but patient should avoid activities that increase pressure on injection site
intravenous system
consists of a sterile fluid source, pump, clamp, and catheter to insert into a vein. can be used to infuse fluids, electrolytes, nutrients, and medication. IV lines are most commonly inserted into superficial veins such as basilic, cephalic, or antecubital.
nasal cannula
tubing extends into patient’s nostrils approx 1 cm. oxgyen therapy can deliver up to 6 L of oxygen per min
nasogastric tube
plastic tube inserted thru a nostril that extends into stomach. commonly used for liquid feeding, medication administration or to remove gas from the stomach
oximeter
photoelectric device used to determine the oxygen saturation of blood. device is most commonly applied to finger or ear. often used to assess activity tolerance
indications for therapeutic modalities
inflammation and repair, pain, restriction in motion, and abnormal tone.
phases of tissue healing
inflammation (1-6 days), proliferative phase (day 3-day 20), maturation phase (day 9 - ongoing)
inflammation phase of tissue healing
occurs secondary to trauma or disease. required for healing to occur. presents with calor, rubor, tumor, dolor. clot formation and phagocytosis occur
proliferative phase
involves connective tissue and epithelial cells. epithelialization, collagen production, wound contracture, and neurovascularization occur
maturation phase
longest in duration, progression towards restoration of the prior function of injured tissues, collagen synthesis and lysis balance, collagen fiber orientation
keloid scar
can occur during healing process when collagen production greatly exceeds collagen lysis. extends beyond original boundaries of an injury and damages healthy tissues.
hypertrophic scar
can occur during healing process when collagen production greatly exceeds collagen lysis. will be raised, but remain within borders of original injury
principles of heat transfer
conduction, conversion, convection, evaporation, radiation
heat conduction
direct contact btwn 2 materials at different temperatures. ex: hot pack, paraffin, ice massage, cold pack
heat convection
air or water moving in a constant motion across body. ex: whirlpool
heat conversion
transfer of heat when nonthermal energy is absorbed into tissue and transformed into heat. ex: diathermy and ultrasound
heat evaporation
transfer of heat as a liquid absorbs energy and changes from to a vapor. ex: vapocoolant spray
heat radiation
direct transfer of heat from a radiation energy source of higher temperature to one of cooler temperature. directly absorbed without the need for a medium. ex: infrared lamp
cryotherapy
ex: ice massage, cold pack, cold bath, vapocoolant spray
cryotherapy’s therapeutic effects
initial decrease of blood flow to treated area, decreased temp, increase pain threshold, decrease metabolism, decrease edema, initial vasoconstriction, decrease nerve conduction velocity, decrease nerve conduction velocity, reduce spasticity of muscle, produce analgesic effects
cryotherapy’s indications
acute or chronic pain, myofascial pain syndrome, muscle spasm, bursitis, acute or subacute inflammation, musculoskeletal trauma, reduction of spasticity, tendonitis
cryotherapy contraindications
compromised circulation, peripheral vascular disease, ischemic tissue, cold hypersensitivity, raynaud’s phenomenon, cold urticaria, hypertension, infection, cryoglobinemia
stages of perceived symptoms during cryotherapy
intense cold within 3 mins, aching/burning sensation from 4-7 mins, anesthesia to analgesia from 8-15 mins, numbness from 15-30 mins
ice massage
5-10 min treatment time
cold pack
requires a temp of 23 degrees. apply cold pack wrapped in moistened towel to area for 15 mins. application may extend to 30 mins but requires observation every 10 minutes (for spasticity) can be applied every one to two hours for reduction of inflammation and pain control.
cold bath
used for immersion of distal extremities. water temp ranges from 55 to 64 degrees. immersed for 5 to 15 mins to attain desired effects
vapocoolant sprays
often used in conjunction with passive stretching. fluori-methane is a commonly used vapocollant spray that is typically applied from prox to distal muscle attachments.
superficial heating agents
fluidotherapy, hot pack, infrared lamp, paraffin
deep heating agents
diathermy, ultrasound (and phonopheresis)
heating therapeutic effects
increase temp, increase blood flow to area, decrease nerve conduction latency, vasodilation, increase muscle elasticity, increase collagen extensibility, decreases tone
heating indications
pain control, chronic inflammatory conditions, trigger point, tissue healing, muscle spasm, decreased ROM, densensitization
heating contraindications
circulatory impairment, area of malignancy, acute musculoskeletal trauma, bleeding, sensory impairment, thrombophlebities, arterial disease
fluidotherapy
container that circulates warm air and small cellulose particles. extremity is placed into container and dry heat is generated thru energy transferred by forced convection. promotes tissue healing and prevention of edema. body part should be placed into unit prior to turning machine on. temp should be set between 111-125 degrees. treatment time usually 20 minutes.
hot pack
effects include soft tissue healing, promoting relaxation, decreasing pain and stiffness. must be stored in hot water between 158-167 degrees. requires 6-8 towels around hot pack. require approx 20 minutes to achieve desire effects
infrared lamp (IR)
produces superficial heating of tissue through radiant heat. form of heating is usually limited to penetration of less than one to three millimeters. use is declining due to risk of burns during treatment. patient should be positioned approx 20 inches from source. 20 inches in distance should equal 20 minutes of treatment. as distance decreases, intensity will increase and time of total treatment should decrease.
paraffin wax
most commonly used superficial heating agent of distal extremities. temp should be between 113-126 degrees. dip patient’s hand and wrap with plastic bag with a towel around it to insulate and maintain heating for approx 15-20 mins.
diathermy
converts high frequency electromagnetic energy into therapeutic heat. produces vibration of molecules within a specific tissue, generates heat and elevates tissue temperature. main therapeutic effect is enhancement of soft tissue healing. can be delivered in continuous or pulsed mode. pulsed mode is usually used for thermal effects at 27.12 MHz.
contraindications for diathermy
low back, abdomen, pelvis of a pregnant woman, internal and external metal objects, eyes, malignant area, intrauterine device, cardiac pacemaker, pain and temp sensory deficits, moist wound dressing, testes, acute inflammation, ischemic tissue
diathermy parameters
inductive application: wrap coils around extremity that has been covered by a towel, place drum over treatment area. patient must remain in same position throughout treatment. treatment time varies from 15-30 mins.
ultrasound
common deep heating agent that transfers heat through conversion. elevates tissue temp to depths up to 5 cms, and uses inaudible acoustic mechanical vibrations of high frequency to produce thermal and nonthermal effects. crystal transducer converts electrical energy into sound.
ultrasound therapeutic effects
thermal: increase extensibility of collagen structure, decrease joint stiffness, pain relief, increase blood flow, decrease muscle spasm
ultrasound therapeutic effects (nonthermal)
nonthermal: stimulation of tissue regeneration, pain relief, soft tissue repair, increase blood flow,
indications for u/s
soft tissue repair, contracture, bone fracture, trigger point, dermal ulcer, scar tissue, pain, plantar wart, muscle spasm
contraindications for u/s
over eyes, over pregnant uterus, over cemented prosthetic joint, impaired circulation, impaired pain or temp sensory deficits, over heart, over testes, over epiphyseal areas in children, infection, over malignancy
u/s treatment parameters
place transducer over area before turning on machine (and gel already applied to head). move in small circular pattern over treatment area. maintain contact with skin and stay within treatment area. an area two to three times the size of the transducer typically requires a duration of five minutes of treatment. intensity for continuous u/s is normally set btwn .5 to 2 w/cm2 for thermal effects. pulsed u/s is normally set between .5 to .75 w/cm2 with a 20% duty cycle for nonthermal effects
BNR
beam nonuniformity ratio: ratio of intensity of highest peak to average intensity of all peaks. lower BNR, more favorable, since most patients will be less likely to experience hot spots and or discomfort during treatment. BNR values should range btwn 2:1 and 6:1, most devices often fall in 5:1 or 6:1 range.
ERA
effective radiating area. area of transducer that transmits u/s energy. always smaller than total size of transducer head.
acoustic cavitation
occurs as a result of acoustic energy generated by u/s that develops into microscopic bubbles causing cavities that surround soft tissues. the bubbles expand and contract.
2 types of cavitation that occur:
stable cavitation: microscopic bubbles increase and decrease in size but do not burst. triggers microsteaming. transient (unstable) cavitation: microscopic bubbles increase in size over multiple cycles and implode. this causes brief moments of local temperature ad pressure increases in area surrounding those bubbles. process should not occur during therapeutic u/s since intensities required are much higher than 3 w/cm2.
microsteaming
minute flow of fluid that takes place around vapor-filled bubbles that oscillate and pulsate
acoustic streaming
term for the consistent and circular flow of cellular fluids that results from u/s. responsible for altering cellular activity and the transport of fluids to different portions of the field.
phonophoresis
use of u/s for transdermal delivery of medication. u/s enhances the distribution of medication through the skin, provides a high concentration of the drug directly to the treatment site and avoids risks that may be involved with injection of medication. medications regularly used in phonophoresis include anti-inflammatory agents or analgesics. effective with both continuous and pulsed techniques.
hydrotherapy
the internal and external use of water in the treatment of disease. transfers heat thru conduction or convection and is administered in tanks of varying sizes. main therapeutic effects: wound care, unloading of weight, and reduction of edema.
buoyancy
(archmides): there is an upward force on body when immersed in water equal to amount of water that has been displaced by the body. ability to float in water results from the body possessing a specific gravity less than that of water.
hydrostatic pressure
water exerts pressure that is perpendicular to the body and increases in proportion with the depth of immersion
resistance
water molecules tend to attract to each other and provide resistance to movement of the body in the water. resistance by water increases in proportion to speed of motion.
specific gravity
computation for specific gravity of water is equal to 1. human body varies based on size and somatotype but typically has a specific gravity of less than 1 (average .974). therefore, a personal will generally float when fully submerged in water.
specific heat
measure of the ability of a fluid to store heat. calculated as amount of thermal energy required to increase fluid’s temp by one unit. water can store 4 times the heat as compared to air. water’s thermal conductivity is approx 25 times faster than air at the same temp.
total drag force
comprised of profile drag, wave drag and surface drag forces. is a hydromechanic force exerted on a person submerged in water that normally opposes the direction of the body’s motion.
therapeutic effects of hydrotherapy:
increase blood flow, increase core temp, relaxation, pain relief, vasodilation, decrease abnormal tone, wound/debridement
indications for hydrotherapy:
burn care, superficial heating or cooling, edema control, muscle strain, arthritis, desensitization of residual limb with contrast bath, pain management, wound care, decreased ROM, pool therapy/exercise, sprain, joint stiffness, muscle spasm/spasticity
contraindication for hydrotherapy:
peripheral vascular disease, gangrene, severe infection, urinary/fecal incontinence, advanced cardiov or pulm disease, buerger’s disease w/contrast bath, impaired circulation, renal infection, bleeding surface area, diminished sensation
types of hydrotherapy
extremity tank, lowboy tank, highboy tank, hubbard tank, therapeutic pool
treatment temps for water
32-79 degrees: acute inflammation of distal extremities, 79-92 degrees: exercise, 92-96: wound care, spasticity, 96-98: cardiopulmonary compromise, treatment of burns, 99-104: pain management, 104-110: chronic rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, increased ROM
treatment parameters for whirlpool
treatment time ranges from between 10 and 30 mins. select water temp based on diagnosis and goals and assist pt into comfortable position, monitor vital signs and level of comfort.
treatment parameters for pool therapy
general contraindications for superficial or deep heating, including incontinence, open areas, fear of water, confusion, and significant respiratory pathology. recommended populations for pool therapy include patients with arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries, neuro deficits, sci, cva, ms, and selected cardiopulmonary diagnoses. tank must be cleaned after each use with a disinfectant and antibacterial agent.
mechanical agent: traction
modality that applies mechanical forces to body to separate joint surfaces and decrease pressure. force can be applied manually by therapist or mechanically by a machine.
therapeutic effects of traction
joint distraction, soft tissue stretching, muscle relaxation, reduction of disk protrusion, joint mobility
indications for traction
nerve impingement, herniated or protruding disc, subacute joint inflammation, spondylolisthesis, joint hypomobility, paraspinal muscle spasm, degenerative joint disease, osteophyte formation
contraindications for traction
when motion is contraindicated, joint instability, tumor, pregnancy, acute inflammatory response, acute sprain, osteoporosis, fracture
treatment parameters for traction
treatment time is 5-20 mins. cervical: pt supine with approx 25-35 degrees of neck flexion, should start with a force btwn 10-15 lbs and progress to 7% of pt’s body weight as tolerated for separation of vertebrae. lumbar can be supine or prone, and should be set with a force of less than half body weight for initial treatment. traction force of 25-50 lbs is recommended when initiating mechanical lumbar traction. force of up to 50% of body weight is required for actual separation of the vertebrae.
compression
physical agent that applies a mechanical force to increase pressure on treated body part. works to keep venous and lymphatic flow from pooling into interstitial space. static compression utilizes bandaging and compression garments to shape residual limbs, control edema, prevent abnormal scar formation, and reduce risk of dvt. intermittent compression with a pneumatic device is used to reduce edema.
therapeutic effects of compression
control of peripheral edema, shaping of residual limb, management of scar formation, improve lymphatic and venous return, and prevention of DVT
indications for compression
lymphedema, new res limb, risk for DVT, edema, stasis ulcers, hypertrophic scarring
contraindications for compression
malignancy of treated area, DVT, unstable or acute fracture, heart failure, infection of treated area, pulm edema, circulatory obstruction
treatment parameters
therapist should measure girth and bp. therapist should set parameters based on desire effect. stockinette should be put over extremity and then compression sleeve. 3:1 ratio is generally used for on/off time with inflation btwn 40 to 100 seconds and deflation btwn 10-35 seconds. inflation pressure generally ranges from 30-80 mm Hg and should not exceed patient’s diastolic bp. treatment of upper extremities generally requires btwn 30 and 60 mm Hg of inflation pressure while treatment of LEs requires btwn 40 and 80 mm Hg of inflation pressure. treatment time varies for diagnosis, from 2-4 hours and is utilized from 3 x per week to 3 x per day. when treatment time is up, therapist should reassess extremity and remeasure girth and bp
UV: ultraviolet light
form of energy that is used therapeutically and absorbed one to two millimeters into the skin. divided into UV-A and UV-B, and UV-C. most effective use of UV is to treat skin disorders
therapeutic effects of UV
facilitate healing, exfoliation, Vit D production, increase pigmentation, tanning
indications for UV
acne, psoriasis, tetany, Vit D deficiency, chronic ulcer/wound, osteomalacia/rickets, sinusitis
contraindications for UV
photosensitive meds, lupus erythematosus, tb, herpes, renal or hepatic pathology, DM, pellagra
treatment parameters for UV
therapist must obtain a minimal erythemal dose before treatment (MED). this is the time of exposure needed to produce an area of mild redness btwn 8 and 24 hours after treatment. MED is tested by paper cutouts on forearm and therapist should wear goggles. squares on skin should be exposed in 15 sec increments for 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 seconds and inspected after an 8 hr period to determine MED. treatment time should increase each consecutive treatment day since skin adapts to the UV exposure.
massage
manual therapeutic modality that produces physiologic effects through stroking, rubbing, and pressure.
effleurage
light in stroke and produces a reflexive response. performed at beginning and end of massage to allow patient to relax and should be directed towards the heart.
friction
incorporates small circular motion over a trigger point or muscle spasm. deep massage technique that penetrates into the depth of a muscle and attempts to reduce edema, loosen adhesions, and relieve muscle spasm. used with chronic inflammation or with overuse injuries
petrissage
kneading where muscle is squeezed and rolled under therapist’s hands. distal to proximal sequence of kneading over muscle. can be performed with 2 hands over larger muscle groups or with as few as two fingers over smaller muscles.
tapotement
provides stimulation through rapid and alternating movements such as tapping, hacking, cupping, and slapping. purpose is to enhance circulation and stimulate peripheral nerve endings
vibration
places hands or fingers firmly over area and uses a rapid shaking motion that causes vibration to treatment area. used primarily for relaxation.
therapeutic effects of massage
increases lymphatic circulation, removal of metabolic waste, decrease muscle atrophy, decrease anxiety and tension, facilitate healing, stimulate reflexive effects, reduction of edema, loosen adhesions, decrease muscle spasm
indications for massage
pain, decreased ROM, edema, adhesions, myositis, lactic acid excess, migraine, trigger point, muscle spasm and cramping, scar tissue, bursitis, tendonitis, intermittent claudication, raynaud’s syndrome
contraindications for massage
infection, arterioscelrosis, thrombus, cellulitis, acute injury, embolus, cancer.
electrotherapy
used for facilitation of skeletal muscle contraction, stimulation of denervated muscle, pain management, to retard muscle atrophy, osteogenesis, driving medications through the skin, and wound management
contraindications
cardiac pacemaker, patient with a bladder stimulator, over carotid sinus, seizure disorders, phlebitis, malignancy, over a pregnant uterus, cardiac arrhythmia, osteomyelitis
electrode configuration
techniques include: monopolar, bipolar, and quadripolar
monopolar
active (smaller) electrode is placed over target area. second dispersive electrode is placed at another site away from the target area. used for wounds, iontophoresis, and treatment of edema
bipolar
2 active electrodes are placed over target area. electrodes usually same size. used for muscle weakness, neuromuscular facilitation, spasms, and ROM
quadripolar
2 electrodes from 2 separate stimulating circuits are positioned so that the individual currents intersect with each other. utilized with interferential current.
electrode size
when using a smaller electrode it is particularly important to understand that since the current density is quite high compared to a larger electrode, the patient will be more susceptible to pain and potential tissue damage.
small electrodes
increased current density, increased impedance, decreased current flow
large electrodes
decreased current density, decreased impedance, increased current flow
estim indications
pain management, urinary incontinence, edema management, osteoarthritic pain, migraines
estim contraindication
malignancy, with all types of electrical implants, during first trimester of pregnancy, over lower abdomen/uterus during pregnancy, over anterior transcervical area
direct current
also known as galvanic, constant flow of electrons from anode to cathode without interruption. iontophoresis uses direct current
alternating current
polarity that changes from positive to negative with change in direction of current flow. biphasic, symmetrical or asymmetrical, and is a waveform that is sinusoidal in shape. used in muscle retraining, spasticity and stimulation of denervated muscle
interferential current
combines two high frequency alternating waveforms that are biphasic. used for deep muscle stimulation. attempts to reach deeper tissues using higher frequencies of each waveform along with overall shorter pulse widths. uses a frequency of 50-1250 pps and a pulse width of 50-150 microseconds for pain management; and a frequency of 20-50 pps and pulse width of 100-200 microseconds for muscle contractions
russian current
medium frequency polyphasic waveform. alternating current is produced in a 50 burst per second interval with a pulse width range of 50-200 microseconds, and an interburst interval of 10 milliseconds. type of NMES or FES and is believed to augment muscle strengthening by depolarizing both sensory and motor nerve fibers resulting in tetanic contractions that are painless and stronger than those made voluntarily by the patient. electrode should be placed parallel to muscle fibers along line of pull of muscle group.
russian stim parameters
average peak current amplitude of 100 mA, 50 bursts per second, with on/off time ration of 10/50. usually is done 10 evoked contractions with a 10 second contraction and a 50 second rest period between each of the 10 contractions.
NMES
neuromuscular electrical stimulation: used to facilitate skeletal muscle activity. stim of an innervated muscle occurs when an electrical stimulus of appropriate intensity and duration is administered to the corresponding peripheral nerve. commonly used to facilitate return of controlled functional muscular activity or to maintain postural alignment until recovery occurs.
NMES parameters
bipolar electrode placement over muscle. interrupted current is used with a range of 20-40 pulses per second an on time of 6-10 secs followed by off time of approx 50-60 secs. 15-20 mins for several times a day
TENS: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
widely used for acute and chronic inflammation. main effects of TENS include pain relief through gate control theory. used for home use and is portable.
TENS contraindications
cardiac pacemakers, epilepsy, during 1st trimester
TENS Parameters
conventional, acupuncture like, pulse burst, and brief intense (high-intensity)
conventional TENS
frequency: 50-100 Hz, duration: 20-100 microseconds, amplitude: 10-30 mA
acupuncture like TENS
frequency: 1-4 Hz, 100-200 microseconds, amplitude: 30-80 mA
pulse burst
frequency: 70-100 Hz/burst, duration: 40-75 microseconds, amplitude: 30-60 mA
brief intense (high intensity)
frequency: 70-100 Hz/burst, duration: 150-200 microseconds, amplitude: 30-60 mA
TENS guidelines
electrodes may be placed on sites of nerve roots, trigger points, acupuncture sites or key points of pain and sensitivity. net polarity is normally equal to zero. if waveform is unbalanced, there will be an accumulation of charges that will lead to skin irritation under the electrodes. includes a pulse duration that can vary from 20-400 microseconds; pulse frequency that varies in range from 1-200 Hz, and current amplitude from .1-120 mA.
iontophoresis
process by which medications are induced through the skin into the body by means of continuous direct current electrical stimulation. medication is separated into ions based on the polarity of the current.
acidic/alkaline reaction
acidic reaction can cause hardening of skin. alkaline reaction can cause skin to soften over time.
buffering
technique used to stabilize the pH of skin during ionto by placing buffering agents into electrode pads that cover drug reservoir area within the electrode
electrolysis
decomposition of a compound that results from passing an electrical current through it
electron exchange
occurs during ionto where there is an exchange btwn ions within solutions and electrodes
redox reaction
decomposition of water when electrical current is passed through it. water will be reduced to a net accumulation of hydrogen ions (H+) under anode and hydroxyl ions (OH-) under the cathode.
iontophoresis parameters
pt should never lie on top of electrodes. unit should be set to continuous direct current. polarity must be set to same polarity as ion solution. ion solution should be massaged into treatment site or space within electrode. conductive surface area of the negative electrode (cathode) is twice the size of the conductive surface area of the positive electrode (anode) regardless of which on is the active electrode. active electrode must be placed over target area the the dispersive electrode should be placed as far as possible from active electrode. slowly increase intensity towards a max of five milliamperes. treatment should last 15-20 mins. additional time is required for treatment at an intensity of less than five milliamperes.
therapeutic ions and charge
positive charge: lidocaine, hydrocortisone, histamine, lithium, magnesium, zinc. negative charge: acetate, dexamethasone, salicylate, iodine, chlorine, tap water (+ and -)
hvpc
high voltage pulsed current: twin peak monophasic, pulsed current. produces high electromotive forces. has a phase duration of 5-20 microsecs (fixed in most machines), a short pulse duration that ranges btwn 100-200 microsecs, and voltage greater than 150V to a max of 500V. one large dispersive pad along with one, two or four active electrodes. active electrodes can be positive or negative in polarity based on treatment goals.
indications for hvpc
wound management, pain management, soft tissue edema, levator ani syndrome, muscle spasm, muscle weakness, bell’s palsy
contraindications for hvpc
cardiac pacemakers, over heavy scarring tissues, malignancy, pregnancy
hvpc parameters
secure one electrode over wound (using warm sterile gauze and sponge) and other over healthy skin a min of 5 cm from wound itself. polarity should be in reversal mode so that it allows for 50% of treatment with positive polarity. frequency is generally 30-200 pps, amplitude 1-500V, and duration of treatment from 10-60 mins per session. dermal wounds should be treated 5-7 days per week for best results
electromyography
science of evaluating motor units (anterior horn cell, axon, neuromuscular junctions and muscle fibers innervated by unit) through use of intramuscular needle electrodes or surface electrodes. potentials include abnormal: spontaneous and voluntary.
biofeedback
modality that uses an electromechanical device to provide visual and or auditory feedback. can be utilized to receive information related to motor performance, kinesthetic performance or physiological response. can measure peripheral skin temp, changes in blood volume thru vasodilation and vasoconstriction using finger phototransmission, sweat gland activity, and electrical activity during muscle contraction. electromyographic feedback is the most commonly used biofeedback modality in clinical setting.
biofeedback measures:
muscle activity, heart rate, balance, skin temp, bp, posture, abnormal mvmt, normal mvmt
types of feedback
myoelectric/electromyographic biofeedback, EMG-BF, position biofeedback, bp biofeedback, respiratory bioFB, sphincter control biofb, temp and blood flow bioFB, electroencephalographic bioFB
biofeedback therapeutic effects
muscle relaxation, improve muscle strength, decrease muscle spasm, neuromuscular control, decrease accessory muscle use, decrease pain
biofeedback indications
muscle spasm, pain, sci, urinary incontinence, improve neuromuscular control, muscle weakness, hemiplegia, cp, bowel incontinence, promote relaxation
biofeedback contraindications
any condition where muscle contraction is detrimental, skin irritation at electrode site
biofeedback treatment guidelines
2 active electrodes and 1 ground electrode in a bipolar arrangement best deletes “noise” (noise is any extraneous electrical activity not produced by the contraction of the muscle). surface electrodes with some form of conduction gel are required to adhere to prepared, clean skin. electrodes should be placed parallel to direction of the muscle fibers, set level of sensitivity on device relative to treatment goals: low level sensitivity settings for muscle re-education, high level sensitivity setting for relaxation
biofeedback treatment parameters
2 active electrodes should be placed parallel to muscle fibers and close to each other. reference or ground electrode can be placed anywhere on the body, but is often secured between 2 active electrodes. signals are transmitted to a differential amplifier and info is conveyed thru visual and audio feedback. for muscle re-education, should begin with pt performing a max muscle contraction. sensitivity of bfb unit should be set at a low sensitivity setting and adjusted so that the pt can perform reps at a ratio of 2/3rds of max muscle contraction. isometric contractions should continue for 6-10 secs with relaxation in btwn each contraction. treatment duration for a single muscle group is 5-10 mins. treatment for muscle relaxation requires a high sensitivity setting and a similar electrode placement with active electrodes initially positioned close to each other. as patient improves with relaxation, electrodes should be placed further apart and sensitivity setting increased. during this treatment, patient may also benefit from adjunct relaxation techniques such as imagery. treatment duration of 10-15 mins is usually adequate to attain relaxation.
gfci:
ground fault circuit interrupter: designed to cut off electrical supply to a piece of equipment if it detects any form of leakage or ground fault.
electrotherapy terms
…
accommodation
an occurrence where a nerve and muscle membrane’s threshold for excitability increases secondary to a stimulation by a pulse that has a slow phase rise time. the quicker the rise time, the less the nerve can accommodate to the impulse.
alternating current (biphasic)
alternating current allows for the constant change in flow of ions
ampere
unit of measure used to describe rate of current
amplitude
magnitude of current. often labeled intensity or voltage.
anode
positively charged electrode that attracts negative ions
cathode
negatively charged electrode that attracts positive ions
biphasic
pulse that moves in one direction, returns to baseline, then in other direction and back to baseline again within a predetermined amount of time.
types of biphasic pulse
symmetrical: positive phase is identical to negative phase, asymmetrical: positive phase and negative phase are not identical in shape, balanced: positive phase’s electrical charge is equal to negative phase’s electrical charge, unbalanced: positive phase and negative phase do not have identical electrical charges
burst
interrupted group of pulses that are delivered in a finite series and a predetermined frequency
capacitance
property of an insulator that allows for the storage of energy when opposing surfaces of the insulator have an electrical potential difference
chronaxie
testing procedure used to measure amount of time required to produce a small muscle contraction at a particular intensity
conductance
ease at which a particular material will allow current flow (mho)
current
flow electrons from one place to another
direct current (monophasic)
constant unidirectional flow of ions. dependent on polarity
duration of stimulus/duration of rest
time period of stimulation and time period of rest btwn periods of stimulation.
duty cycle
percentage of time that electrical current is on in relation to entire treatment time.
electrical impedance
resistance of a tissue to electrical current
frequency
determines number of pulses delivered through each channel per second. often labeled “rate”
high volt current
characterized by a waveform greater than 150 volts with a short pulse duration. is intermittent and is used for deeper tissue penetration
impedance
property of a substance that provides resistance to flow of current by offering an alternate current
inductance
how easily a certain material will induce an electromotive force (emf) within a circuit
interpulse interval
period of time of electrical inactivity btwn each pulse, usually expressed in microsecs or millisecs
ion
positively or negatively charged atome
low volt current
waveform of less than 150 volts and is used for neuromuscular stimulation
monophasic
pulse that has either a positive or negative polarity and moves in only one direction from a zero baseline and returns to baseline within a predetermined amount of time
negative ion
gained one or more electrons and possesses a negative charge
ohm’s law
current of an electrical current. there is a direct proportional relationship btwn current and voltage and an indirect proportional relationship btwn current and resistance
positive ion
lost one or more electrons and possesses a positive charge
pulse
pulse is one individual waveform
pulse duration
amount of time that it takes to complete all phases of a single pulse. often labeled “pulse width”
pulsed current (interrupted)
allows for a non-continuous flow of either alternating or direct current with periods of no electrical activity
ramp
refers to number of seconds it takes for amplitude to gradually increase or decrease to the max value set by amplitude control
resistance
ability of a material to oppose the flow of ions through it
rheobase
minimal intensity used with a long current duration that produces a small muscle contraction
volt
unit of measure of electrical power or electromotive force
waveform
consistent pattern of a current measured on an oscilloscope
clinical application templates executive summaries
…
achilles tendon rupture
usually one to two inches above tendinous insertion on calcaneous, greatest btwn 30-50 yrs of age, typically be unable to stand on their toes and tend to exhibit a positive Thompson test
adhesive capsulitis
occurs more in middle-aged population, greater incidence in women, arthrogram can assist with dx by detecting decreased volume of fluid within the joint capsule, ROM restriction typically in a capsular pattern (lateral rotation, abduction, medial rotation)
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
risk is higher in males, usually occurs between 40-70, clinical presentation may include both upper and lower motorneuron involvement with weakness occurring in a distal to prox progression, average course of dx is 2-5 yrs with only 20-30% of patients surviving longer than five years
ankylosing spondylitis
systemic condition, inflammation of spine and larger peripheral joints, males greater risk btwn 20-40, presentation initially includes recurrent and insidious onset of back pain, morning stiffness, and impaired spinal extension