Course Description: This text-based course utilizes the text, Physical Agents in Rehabilitation from Research to Practice, by Michelle Cameron, PT.

Source Description: This text-based course utilizes the text, With straightforward, in-depth coverage of the use of physical agents to improve patient outcomes, Physical Agents in Rehabilitation: An Evidence-Based Approach to Practice, 5th Edition reflects how physical agents and modalities are being discussed in the classroom. This new edition brings the ideal balance of evidence and practical instruction to the learning and practice of physical agents in rehabilitation. Comprehensive coverage of all physical agents includes the mechanisms, clinical effects, and application techniques for thermal agents, ultrasound, electrical currents, electromagnetic radiation, hydrotherapy, traction, and compression. Plus, each chapter includes a scientific rationale and step-by-step instructions in the use of the agent(s), as well as up-to-date research support and new Find the Evidence tables.

Course length: 4 contact hours / 0.4 CEUs

Course Outline

Hour #1

• Specific Heat
• Modes of Heat Transfer
• Conduction
• Convection
• Conversion
• Radiation
• Evaporation

Hour #2

• Cryotherapy
• Effects of Cold
• Hemodynamic Effects
• Neuromuscular Effects
• Metabolic Effects
• Clinical Indications for Cryotherapy
• Inflammation Control
• Edema Control
• Pain Control
• Modification of Spasticity
• Symptom Management in Multiple Sclerosis
• Facilitation
• Cryokinetics and Cryostretch
• Contraindications and Precautions for Cryotherapy
• Contraindications for the Use of Cryotherapy
• Precautions for the Use of Cryotherapy
• Adverse Effects of Cryotherapy
• Application Techniques

Hour #3

• General Cryotherapy
• Cold Packs or Ice Packs
• Ice Massage
• Controlled Cold Compression Unit
• Vapocoolant Sprays and Brief Icing
• Documentation
• Examples
• Clinical Case Studies
• Thermotherapy
• Effects of Heat
• Hemodynamic Effects
• Neuromuscular Effects
• Metabolic Effects
• Altered Tissue Extensibility
• Clinical Indications for Superfi cial Heat
• Pain Control
• Increased Range of Motion and Decreased Joint Stiffness
• Accelerated Healing
• Infrared Radiation for Psoriasis

Hour #4

• Contraindications and Precautions for Thermotherapy
• Contraindications for the Use of Thermotherapy
• Precautions for the Use of Thermotherapy
• Adverse Effects of Thermotherapy
• Burns
• Fainting
• Bleeding
• Skin and Eye Damage From Infrared Radiation
• Application Techniques
• General Thermotherapy
• Hot Packs
• Paraffin
• Fluidotherapy
• Infrared Lamps
• Contrast Bath
• Documentation
• Examples
• Clinical Case Studies
• Choosing Between Cryotherapy and Thermotherapy