Lesson 1: Physical Agents

Physical Agents

Sources of energy applied to patients to produce therapeutic effects and can cause injury or disease if applied excessively.

Thermal Agents

Any application that produces heat or warmth to the structures.

Cold Agents

Any application that cools the structures.

5 Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

Redness, Heat, Pain, Edema, Loss of function.

Redness (Rubor)

Reddish appearance on the injured site due to increased blood flow.

Heat (Calor)

Increase in temperature at the injured site due to increased blood flow.

Pain (Dolor)

An unpleasant sensation elicited by the release of substances like prostaglandin after injury.

Edema

Accumulation of fluid in interstitial space, often a result of increased permeability and blood flow.

Proliferative Phase

The first phase of tissue repair that occurs 3-20 days after injury, involving fibroblast proliferation.

Remodeling Phase

Occurs after the proliferative phase, where collagen fibers become organized to provide greater tensile strength.

Acute Inflammation

Inflammation that occurs immediately after injury and lasts up to 2 weeks.

Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation that persists over months or years.

Pain

A protective mechanism that alerts individuals to prevent further damage.

Specificity Theory

Theory proposing that pain receptors (nociceptors) are stimulated to transmit pain to the brain.

Gate Control Theory

Theory suggesting pain perception can be modulated by the interaction of peripheral afferents with a central modulation system.

Nociceptors

Free nerve endings stimulated to transmit pain impulses to sensory neurons.

Evidence-Based Practice

An approach to clinical practice that integrates the best research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values.