Fundamentals of therapeutic modalities

Exam 3

What is the primary purpose of therapeutic massage?

To promote relaxation, reduce pain, and improve blood flow

What effect does massage have on blood flow?

Increases local blood circulation.

How can massage reduce pain?

By stimulating sensory receptors and promoting endorphin release.

How does massage affect flexibility?

Increases flexibility by reducing muscle tension and improving tissue mobility.

How does massage affect muscular fatigue?

by improving circulation and relaxation.

What are endorphins?

Natural chemicals released by the body that help reduce pain.

What effect does massage have on arterial blood flow?

Increases arterial blood flow.

What is effleurage?

A gliding massage technique using long, smooth strokes.

What is petrissage?

A massage technique involving kneading, lifting, and squeezing soft tissue.

What is tapotement?

A rhythmic percussion technique involving tapping or striking movements.

What is thermotherapy?

The therapeutic application of heat to the body.

What is cryotherapy?

The therapeutic application of cold to the body.

What are the two main methods of heat transfer?

Conduction and convection

What is conduction?

The transfer of heat through direct contact between objects.

What is convection?

The transfer of heat through the movement of a fluid or gas.

What is radiation?

The transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves without direct contact.

What is evaporation?

The process of heat loss when liquid changes into vapor.

What is the primary physiological effect of superficial heat?

Increases local tissue temperature and blood flow.

How does heat affect muscle spasms?

Helps decrease them and promote relaxation.

When should heat generally be avoided?

During acute inflammation or active bleeding.

What is the primary purpose of cryotherapy?

To decrease pain, swelling, and inflammation.

How does cold affect nerve conduction velocity?

Decreases nerve conduction velocity.

How does cold affect blood vessels?

Causes vasoconstriction.

What is vasoconstriction?

The narrowing of blood vessels.

How does cryotherapy help reduce pain?

Slows nerve conduction and decreases pain sensation.

What does RICE stand for?

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

What is the purpose of compression during cryotherapy?

Helps limit swelling and support fluid removal.

What is the hunting response?

A cycle of alternating vasoconstriction and vasodilation in response to prolonged cold exposure.

What is the recommended goal of cryotherapy application?

Reduce pain and swelling while protecting the skin and underlying tissues.

What is a contraindication for cryotherapy?

Cold hypersensitivity or intolerance.

What is therapeutic ultrasound?

The use of high-frequency sound waves to produce therapeutic effects in tissues.

What are the two commonly used therapeutic ultrasound frequencies?

1 MHz and 3 MHz.

Which ultrasound frequency penetrates deeper into tissue?

1 MHz.

Which ultrasound frequency is absorbed more superficially?

3 MHz.

What does ERA stand for?

Effective Radiating Area.

What does BNR stand for?

Beam Nonuniformity Ratio.

What does duty cycle describe?

The percentage of time ultrasound is producing sound waves during a treatment period.

What is continuous ultrasound primarily used for?

Thermal effects and increasing tissue temperature.

What is pulsed ultrasound primarily used for?

Nonthermal effects with reduced heat accumulation.

What is the piezoelectric effect?

The conversion of electrical energy into mechanical sound-wave energy.

What is the reverse piezoelectric effect?

The conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy.

What is friction

Circular or transverse movements applying concentrated pressure.

Vibration

Rapid shaking or trembling movements applied to soft tissues.