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, patient preparation and application for the use of thermal modalities, manual techniques, hydrotherapy, mechanical traction and electromagnetic modalities including iontophoresis, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), neuromuscular electrical stimulation, high volt, interferential, microcurrent, infrared, laser, UV, and diathermy. 

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Admission to the PTA program, BIOL 101, ENGL 121, and MATH 138. Pre- or corequisite: BIOL 203

Corequisite

PTAP 100, PTAP 110, and PTAP 120

Hours Weekly

2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly

Course Objectives

  1. Discuss pain theory and its application to pain management.
  2. Explain indications and contraindications of each modality.
  3. Review universal precautions.
  4. Identify the biophysical aspects of modality use.
  5. Describe the inflammation process.
  6. Identify the steps in normal cell repair.
  7. Demonstrate patient set-up for modalities including draping and positioning.
  8. Demonstrate patient education regarding modality use.
  9. Apply physical therapy modalities safely and effectively as outlined in the plan of care.
  10. Correctly perform manual techniques.
  11. Describe the application of hydrotherapy.
  12. Describe the basic terminology and concepts of electrophysiology.
  13. Compare the types of electromagnetic currents utilized in therapy.
  14. Discuss the effect of electromagnetic current on tissues.

Course Objectives

  1. Discuss pain theory and its application to pain management.
  2. Explain indications and contraindications of each modality.
  3. Review universal precautions.
  4. Identify the biophysical aspects of modality use.
  5. Describe the inflammation process.
  6. Identify the steps in normal cell repair.
  7. Demonstrate patient set-up for modalities including draping and positioning.
  8. Demonstrate patient education regarding modality use.
  9. Apply physical therapy modalities safely and effectively as outlined in the plan of care.
  10. Correctly perform manual techniques.
  11. Describe the application of hydrotherapy.
  12. Describe the basic terminology and concepts of electrophysiology.
  13. Compare the types of electromagnetic currents utilized in therapy.
  14. Discuss the effect of electromagnetic current on tissues.