Contents

PTAP 130 Therapeutic Modalities

This course is an introduction to the use of physical modalities for patient treatment. The principles of inflammation, cell repair, pain, and pain management will be introduced.  The student will learn the physics, physiology, indications, contraindications, application, and patient preparation for the use of thermal modalities, manual techniques, vasocompression, wound care, and hydrotherapy.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Admission to Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program; BIOL 101 and ENGL 121

Corequisite

BIOL 203, PTAP 100, PTAP 110, and PTAP 120

Hours Weekly

2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly

Course Objectives

  1. 1. Discuss pain theory and its application to pain management.
  2. 2. Explain indications and contraindications of each modality.
  3. 3. Review universal precautions.
  4. 4. Identify the biophysical aspects of modality use.
  5. 5. Describe the inflammation process.
  6. 6. Identify the steps in normal cell repair.
  7. 7. Demonstrate patient set-up for modalities including draping and positioning.
  8. 8. Demonstrate patient education regarding modality use.
  9. 9. Apply physical therapy modalities safely and effectively as outlined in the plan of care.
  10. 10. Correctly perform manual techniques.
  11. 11. Describe the application of hydrotherapy.
  12. 12. Observe wounds for signs of infection or changes in size, color, or exudate.
  13. 13. Use sterile techniques to change a dressing.

Course Objectives

  1. 1. Discuss pain theory and its application to pain management.
  2. 2. Explain indications and contraindications of each modality.
  3. 3. Review universal precautions.
  4. 4. Identify the biophysical aspects of modality use.
  5. 5. Describe the inflammation process.
  6. 6. Identify the steps in normal cell repair.
  7. 7. Demonstrate patient set-up for modalities including draping and positioning.
  8. 8. Demonstrate patient education regarding modality use.
  9. 9. Apply physical therapy modalities safely and effectively as outlined in the plan of care.
  10. 10. Correctly perform manual techniques.
  11. 11. Describe the application of hydrotherapy.
  12. 12. Observe wounds for signs of infection or changes in size, color, or exudate.
  13. 13. Use sterile techniques to change a dressing.