What are modalities?
Modalities are treatment techniques used by physical therapists to aid in a person s recovery. They include moist heat, massage, joint mobilization, stretching, myofascial release, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, iontophoresis, cryotherapy and therapeutic exercise. All are explained by the therapist before one is treated.
Modalities are used in conjunction with manual therapy and therapeutic exercises to promote healing in the injury site. Ultrasound – uses ultrasonic waves to decrease pain, increase tissue elasticity, degrades scar tissue, increases cellular activity, and increases circulation to the site. Electrical Stimulation – uses mild electrical currents to decrease pain, increase circulation, and decrease edema. Moist Heat Packs – decreases pain, promotes muscular relaxation, and pre-exercise warm up. Cold Packs – decreases pain and decreases inflammation Traction – applied to cervical or lumbar spine to decompress spinal segments or discs. Iontophoresis – uses electrical currents to deliver medication to focal regions.Phonophoresis – uses ultrasound to deliver topically applied drugs like analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications.
