PHYSICAL THERAPY MODALITIES

Cold ( Ice Packs)
Vasoconstriction to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, followed by reflex vasodilation. Used frequently for acute injuries, but also effective for the relief of most chronic pain.

Cervical Traction
Gentle longitudinal pull on the cervical spine. Can be applied mechanically or manually, intermittent or static application. Usually prescribed for relief of cervical radiculitis and muscle spasm.

Contrast Baths
The sudden and alternate immersions of the extremities in hot then cold water. This procedure stimulates circulation without vascular impairment. It provides relief from pain and spasm but discourages swelling. Can be beneficial for painful, stiff hands or feet.

EGS ( Electro Galvanic Stimulation)
Application of electrical stimulation, usually taking place in the office setting. Prescribed usually to aid in improving muscle strength, especially after surgery or injury. Also used to decrease pain and swelling and to relieve muscle spasm.

Heat ( Hydrocollator or moist heat)
Most often prescribed to improve superficial circulation, relax musculature and relieve pain.

Iontophoresis
Topical ointments, such as cortisone and xylocaine, propelled through the skin by electrical impulses. Usually prescribed for small inflammations ( shoulder or elbow bursitis or tendonitis).

Pelvic Traction
Longitudinal pull on the lumbar spine, applied manually or mechanically, intermittently or static.Relief of lumbar radicular pain and muscle spasm.

Phonophoresis
Topical ointments, usually cortisone cream and xylocaine, propelled through the skin with ultrasound. Usually prescribed for small inflammations such as shoulder or elbow bursitis or tendonitis.

TENS ( Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
Low voltage electrical stimulation applied to painful areas through small, self-adhesive electrodes. The electrical stimulation "masks" or "cancels" the sensation of pain. The unit is small and portable and ideally worn throughout the day or at intervals, to control pain and reduce dependence on drugs. Usually prescribed for relief from pain due to almost everything from muscle spasm to terminal cancer.

Ultrasound (Deep tissue heating)
Used prior to stretching of muscle or connective tissue, and for relief of pain and muscle spasm.

Whirlpool
Immersion of a body part into water with small "agitators" to provide a gentle massaging motion. Warm whirlpool provides relief from pain and muscle spasm and is often used to prepare for stretching or exercise. Cold whirlpool is used to decrease inflammation and swelling.