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Therapeutic ModalitiesThermotherapy, Electrotherapy

& Others

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Today’s topics..

• Thermotherapy1. Physiological effects2. Transfer methods3. Superficial vs. penetrating

• Electrotherapy1. Uses2. Protocols & treatment parameters

• Light therapy• Mechanotherapy

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Thermotherapy

• Introduction1. Heat application2. Produces immediate increase in circulation3. Contraindicated during acute inflammatory phase

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Thermotherapy

• Physiological Effects1. Decreases pain & spasm2. Cell metabolism (O2,

waste)3. ROM/stretching

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Thermotherapy

• Transfer methods• Superficial vs.

penetrating - examples?

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Thermotherapy

• Superficial1. Penetration:

~ 1cm into tissues2. Examples,

advantages & disadvantages

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Thermotherapy

• Penetrating - Ultrasound1. Method of transfer

(transducer)2. Effects

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Electrotherapy

• Types of generators and currents

• Uses• Protocols

1. Treatment parameters2. Electrode selection & placement

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Treatment Parameters

• Amplitude• Pulse duration• Frequency (pps or Hz)• Polarity• Continuous or

interrupted• Direct or alternating

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Electrode Selection & Placement

• Monopolar• Bipolar• Quadripolar• Transarthral• Probes

• H2O

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Light therapy

• Infrared lamps• Ultraviolet therapy• Cold lasers

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Mechanotherapy

• Massage…….

• Does massage have a place in the treatment of athletic injuries?

• What are the physiological effects of massage?

Manual therapies

• Myofascial release• Muscle energy techniques• Joint mobilization

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