Welcome to Physical Agents

Question 1

What are physical agents?

Answer 1

Energy and materials applied to the body; categories of energy (Thermal, Mechanical, Electromagnetic)

Question 2

What are the types of Physical Agents?

Answer 2

Deep heating, superficial heating, cooling, traction, compression, water, ultrasound, electromagnetic fields, Electrical Current

Question 3

What do physical Agents do?

Answer 3

Modify tissue inflammation and healing, relieve pain, alter collagen extensibility, modify muscle tone/ contracting ability

Question 4

General Precautions/ Contraindications

Answer 4

Pregnancy, Malignancy, Pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, Impaired sensation/mentation

Question 5

How to choose a Physical Agent by highest/ lowest priority

Answer 5

1A. Primary underlying problem
1B. Problem most likely to respond to treatment
2. Treatments that address more than one problem simultaneously
3. Symptomatic treatment only

Question 6

Attributes to be considered in the selection of physical agents?

Answer 6

1) Goals and effects of treatment
2) Contraindications and precautions
3) Evidence for physical agent use
4) Cost, convenience and availability

Question 7

EBP

Answer 7

The conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.

1. Best Available Evidence
2. Patient values
3. Clinician expertise

Question 8

RICE

Answer 8

REST
ICE
COMPRESSION
ELEVATION