Modalities

Modalities

Modalities used in physical therapy include ultrasound, electrical stimulation, iontophoresis, phonophoresis, spinal traction, superficial heating agents, cryotherapy and vasopneumatic compression.

Ultrasound is the application of deep heat via inaudible acoustic vibrations that penetrate into the soft tissues. The physiological effects of ultrasound include increased blood flow, expedited soft tissue healing, remodeling of scar tissue and joint contractures, decreased chronic inflammation, burn healing, pain reduction and decreased swelling.

Electrical Stimulation is used for pain relief, decreasing swelling and muscular re-education. There are various 'types' of electrical stimulation that can be applied such as T.E.N.S. (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), Russian stimulation for muscular re-education, and hi-volt stimulation to assist areas in the body where nerve enervation has been compromised.

Iontophoresis uses electric current to propel topical medication through the skin used as an anti- inflammatory agent in pain management of acute and sub-acute soft tissue injuries.

Phonophoresis propels topical ointments through the skin by ultrasound to treat superficial inflammations.

Traction uses manually or mechanically created forces to stretch and mobilize the spine by stretching tight spinal muscles and widening intervertebral foramen to relieve nerve root impingement.

Superficial Heating Agents such as moist heat packs, warm whirlpool and paraffin wax are used to decrease pain, increase blood flow and prepare stiff joints and soft-tissue for treatment.

Cryotherapy such as cold packs, cold baths and ice massage are used to reduce inflammation, decrease muscle spasms and provide relief from trigger points.

Vasopneumatic Compression uses external pressure to decrease swelling and pain.