Therapeutic Modalities in Physiotherapy

Comprensive flashcards covering therapeutic modalities including infrared, ultrasound, traction, compression, CPM, laser, UVR, paraffin wax, and shockwave therapy based on lecture notes.

Infrared Radiation (IRR)

Electromagnetic radiation located between visible light and microwave radiation with a wavelength range of $760\,nm$ to $1\,mm$.

Luminous Sources (IR)

Artificial sources containing a tungsten filament inside a glass bulb that emit short (near) infrared (IRA), visible light, and ultraviolet rays.

Non-Luminous Sources (IR)

Sources made of coiled resistance wire embedded in ceramic that produce long (far) infrared without glowing.

Therapeutic Ultrasound

A form of mechanical energy transmitted as longitudinal sound waves through alternating phases of compression and rarefaction.

1 MHz Ultrasound

A frequency that penetrates deeper tissues up to approximately $5\,cm$, making it suitable for muscles and deep joints.

3 MHz Ultrasound

A frequency absorbed more superficially ($1-2\,cm$), best for tendons and superficial ligaments.

Duty Cycle Formula

$$\text{Duty Cycle} = \frac{\text{Pulse duration}}{\text{Pulse period}} \times 100$$

Piezoelectric Effect

The mechanism where electrical energy passes into piezoelectric crystals, causing them to vibrate and produce sound waves.

Effective Radiating Area (ERA)

The part of the ultrasound transducer head that actually emits ultrasound; it is smaller than the total transducer size.

Attenuation

The gradual loss of ultrasound energy as it travels through tissues due to absorption, reflection, refraction, and scattering.

Stable Cavitation

The safe and beneficial formation of microscopic gas bubbles in tissues that helps with repair.

Unstable (Transient) Cavitation

A dangerous phenomenon where gas bubbles collapse, causing high temperature and pressure that may damage tissues.

Acoustic Microstreaming

The movement of fluid around cell membranes caused by ultrasound that increases membrane permeability and stimulates healing.

Phonophoresis

The use of ultrasound to improve the skin absorption of topical medications like anti-inflammatory gels.

LIPUS (Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound)

A special type of ultrasound used at parameters of $1.5\,MHz$ and $30\,mW/cm^2$ to stimulate bone healing in fractures.

Sustained (Static) Traction

A type of spinal traction where a constant force is applied continuously for durations up to $30$ minutes.

Intermittent Mechanical Traction

Traction that alternates between a hold phase and a rest phase, typically in cycles of $3-10$ seconds.

Facet Joint Mobilization

A mechanical effect of traction that distracts facet joints to improve synovial fluid exchange and reduce degenerative changes.

Sequential Compression

Advanced intermittent compression where chambers inflate from distal to proximal to move edema upward toward the torso.

Continuous Passive Motion (CPM)

A motorized device that moves a joint continuously through a preset range of motion without muscle activation by the patient.

LASER

An acronym standing for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

Monochromatic

A property of laser light meaning it consists of one single wavelength.

Coherent

A property of laser light where all waves move in the same phase.

Collimated

A property of laser light where rays travel in parallel lines without spreading (non-divergent).

Erythema

Redness of the skin caused by ultraviolet radiation due to histamine release and vasodilation.

Minimal Erythema Dose (E1)

The smallest dose of UVR required to produce a mild pink skin reaction that lasts less than $24$ hours.

Paraffin Wax Ratio

A mixture used in therapy consisting of $7$ parts paraffin wax to $1$ part mineral oil.

Energy Flux Density (EFD)

The amount of energy delivered per unit area in shockwave therapy, measured in $mJ/mm^2$.

Focused Shockwave

High-pressure acoustic waves ($100-1000\,bar$) that concentrate energy into a specific deep target.

Radial Shockwave

Acoustic waves with lower pressure ($1-10\,bar$) that spread outward and affect superficial tissues.

Substance P

A neurotransmitter associated with pain and edema that is decreased by Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT).