Module 13: Powerpoint

What is the primary purpose of integrating physical agents into clinical decision making?

The purpose is to select safe, effective, and evidence-based interventions that align with patient goals, treatment goals, time constraints, cost effectiveness, and available equipment while maximizing therapeutic outcomes.

Why are terms such as indications, contraindications, and precautions essential in modality use?

These terms guide clinical reasoning by identifying when a modality is appropriate, unsafe, or requires close monitoring, ensuring patient safety and treatment effectiveness.

What modalities are classified as electrotherapeutic?

Electrotherapeutic modalities include biofeedback, electrical muscle stimulation, functional electrical stimulation (FES), iontophoresis, NMES, and TENS.

What functional outcomes are expected from electrotherapeutic modalities?

Expected outcomes include improved ability to perform physical tasks, enhanced circulation and ventilation, reduced edema, improved motor function, increased muscle performance, decreased pain, and enhanced wound healing.

What modalities are considered mechanical interventions?

Mechanical modalities include traction, compression, tilt or standing tables, and continuous passive motion (CPM).

What global goals guide modality selection?

Goals include increased movement ability, reduced complications, decreased edema or effusion, improved motor function, decreased pain, improved joint integrity, reduced secondary impairments, and increased tolerance to activity.

What role does the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health play?

It ensures medical devices are safe and effective for human use by requiring manufacturers to demonstrate safety and efficacy before products reach consumers.

How does evidence-based practice influence modality selection?

EBP integrates current best evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to guide modality selection and sequencing for optimal patient care.

What factors must be considered when selecting physical agents?

Clinicians must consider injury timeline, medical stability, available treatment time, patient expectations, and equipment availability.

Why must clinicians know these before applying modalities?

Understanding these ensures physiological rationale for treatment, prevents harm, and allows risk-benefit analysis when precautions are present.

How can clinicians improve patient adherence to modality use?

Patient education regarding expected sensations, goals, and safety improves tolerance, trust, and adherence.

What practices improve successful modality use?

Success depends on reviewing literature, clear patient communication, simple treatment plans, careful observation, reassessment after each intervention, and thorough documentation.

Why is documentation critical when using modalities?

Documentation provides clear communication among providers, supports reimbursement, ensures continuity of care, and records patient response using accurate SOAP notes.