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Questions and Answers
What is the term that describes a substance that can cause a change in physiological functions?
What is the term that describes a substance that can cause a change in physiological functions?
- Response
- Stimulus
- Therapy
- Agent (correct)
What is the definition of a physical agent?
What is the definition of a physical agent?
A physical agent refers to a substance or condition that can influence bodily functions.
T/F: Physical agents are only limited to thermal agents.
T/F: Physical agents are only limited to thermal agents.
False (B)
Which of the following is not a type of physical agent?
Which of the following is not a type of physical agent?
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The ______ effect refers to how a physical agent produces its effect on the body.
The ______ effect refers to how a physical agent produces its effect on the body.
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Match the following physical agents with their attributes:
Match the following physical agents with their attributes:
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Study Notes
Physiology of Physical Agents
- Physical agents refer to modalities such as heat, cold, electrical stimulation, and mechanical forces used in therapy.
- Understanding the physiological effects of physical agents is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
- Different modalities can affect tissue healing, pain relief, and functional recovery.
Effects of Heat
- Heat increases blood flow, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues.
- It promotes tissue relaxation and reduces muscle spasms.
- Applications include hot packs, ultrasonic therapy, and infrared radiation.
Effects of Cold
- Cold therapy reduces blood flow and inflammation, assisting in pain management.
- It helps decrease muscle spasms and can numb acute injuries.
- Common methods include ice packs and cryotherapy.
Electrical Stimulation
- Electrical modalities promote muscle contraction and reduce pain.
- Used to enhance muscle strength and re-educate muscles after injury.
- Variants include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).
Mechanical Forces
- Mechanical modalities involve traction, compression, and manipulation techniques.
- They can alleviate pain, improve circulation, and facilitate healing.
- Common mechanical agents include ultrasound and massage therapy.
Safety and Contraindications
- It's essential to consider patient-specific factors and potential contraindications for each modality.
- Conditions like hypertension, pregnancy, or malignancies may restrict certain physical agents.
- Proper assessment is crucial for effective and safe treatment interventions.
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