Physical Therapy Modalities

• Batul Sawafta is a physical therapist with a Master of Science (MSc) degree.

Physical Agents/Modalities

• These are forms of energy or materials applied to patients to treat their condition.
• Physical agents include heat, cold, water, pressure, sound, electromagnetic radiation, and electrical currents.

Understanding PT Modalities

• Knowledge of how PT modalities operate and produce energy is critical.
• Understanding the physiological and chemical changes caused by temperature changes to tissues is necessary.
• Knowing therapeutic effects, the difference between superficial and deep heating, and the dangers of modalities is important.
• Understanding absorption/penetration, indications, precautions, and contraindications for therapeutic applications is essential.

Effects of Physical Agents

• Physical agents modify inflammation and healing.
• Physical agents relieve pain.
• Physical agents alter collagen extensibility.
• Physical agents modify muscle tone.

The Role of Physical Agents in Rehabilitation

• The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) states that the use of physical agents or modalities alone, without therapeutic or educational intervention, is not considered physical therapy.
• The APTA position was published in 1995.
• The exclusive use of physical agents requires documented justification for necessity.

Therapeutic Exercise

• Therapeutic exercise is a systematic and planned performance of bodily movements, postures, or physical activities.
• The goal is to remediate or prevent impairments.
• It can improve, restore, or enhance physical function, prevent or reduce health-related risk factors, and optimize overall health status, fitness, or well-being.
• Therapeutic exercise programs are tailored to meet the unique requirements of each patient.

Developing and Implementing Effective Exercise Programs

• A therapist has to understand how exercises affect body systems and physical function.
• A therapist must integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, and behavioral sciences for patient management.
• Programs should aim for positive and meaningful functional outcomes.
• Therapists need to understand the relationship between physical function and disability.
• Therapists must understand and apply motor learning principles.

Aspects of Physical Function

• Physical function includes muscle performance, cardiopulmonary endurance, stability, mobility/flexibility, neuromuscular control/coordination, and balance/postural equilibrium.

Biomechanics Defined

• Biomechanics involves the study of internal and external forces on the body and their effects.
• It explains mechanical principles related to motion, stability, leverage, and force in sports techniques and skills.
• Biomechanics applies engineering principles, specifically mechanics, to human movement.

Kinesiology

• Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement.
• It encompasses anatomical and physiological elements that facilitate movements.
• The purposes of kinesiology are to facilitate safe, effective, and efficient movement.

Reasons for Studying Biomechanics

• It enhances understanding of the human body and the forces affecting movement.
• Biomechanics provides scientific knowledge to improve performance.
• It is important for the improvement of sport techniques, equipment, and safety.
• Biomechanics helps in designing programs to enhance individual movement skills.

Problems Studied by Biomechanists

• Biomechanists apply mechanical principles to analyze human movement.
• The questions include how to enhance human performance and prevent injuries.
• Biomechanists search to discover how to improve rehabilitation from injuries.

Sports Medicine

• Sports medicine is a multi-disciplinary field.
• Disciplines include physiological, biomechanical, psychological, and pathological phenomena related to exercise and sports.
• The application of these disciplines improves and maintains functional capacities for physical labor, exercise, and sports.
• Includes the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries.

Sports Injuries

• Athletes have a 50% chance of sustaining some injury.
• Minor care is required for 50% of sports injuries without restricting activity.
• Muscle contusions, minor joint sprains, and muscle strains are the most common minor injuries with 90%.
• 10% of sports injuries lead to complications and chronic conditions.
• Sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, and contusions commonly require medical treatment.
• The knee is the most commonly injured body part for both males and females, followed by the ankle.
• Males have a higher incidence of shoulder and upper arm injuries than females.

PT Role

• Physical therapists provide treatment to improve mobility and prevent or limit permanent disability from injuries or diseases.
• Physical therapists assess patients, design treatment programs, and promote proper exercise and activity.

Cardiopulmonary PT

• Cardiopulmonary PT improves gas exchange in the lungs and prevent complications from pulmonary diseases or surgeries.
• Lungs are vital organs that facilitate gas exchange and contribute to metabolism for energy production.
• Problems that affect the lungs affect functional activities by decreasing endurance.

PT Role in Pulmonary Rehabilitation

• Identify treatment goals and plans of care in obstructive and restrictive lung diseases.
• Keep airway open.
• Chest mobilization exercises are important.
• Explain procedure for an effective patient cough.
• Postural drainage goals, indications, procedures, and applications are required.
• Energy conservation techniques are needed.
• Educate patients on techniques for treating obstructive and restrictive lung disease.

PT Role in Cardiac Rehabilitation

• Assess the patient's ability to enroll in a rehabilitation program.
• Decide which stage based on cardiac ability level based on Max Heart Rate Formula.
• Determine whether patient is in the first, second, or third stage.
• Design the proper exercise and level of activities for the patient.