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

Source Description: 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: 3 contact hours / 0.3 CEUs

Course Outline

Hour #1

• Introduction
• Terminology
• History
• Ultrasound Defi nition
• Generation of Ultrasound
• Effects of Ultrasound
• Thermal Effects
• Nonthermal Effects
• Clinical Indications for Ultrasound
• Soft Tissue Shortening
• Pain Control
• Soft Tissue Healing
• Tendon and Ligament Injuries
• Bone Fractures
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Phonophoresis

Hour #2

• Contraindications and Precautions for Ultrasound
• Contraindications for Ultrasound
• Precautions for Ultrasound
• Adverse Effects of Ultrasound
• Application Technique
• Ultrasound Treatment Parameters
• Documentation
• Examples
• Clinical Case Studies
• Physical Properties of Diathermy
• Types of Diathermy Applicators
• Inductive Coil
• Capacitive Plates
• Magnetron (Condenser)
• Effects of Diathermy
• Thermal Effects
• Nonthermal Effects

Hour #3

• Clinical Indications for Diathermy
• Thermal-Level Diathermy
• Nonthermal Shortwave Therapy
• Contraindications and Precautions for Diathermy
• Contraindications for All Forms of Diathermy
• Contraindications for Thermal-Level Diathermy
• Contraindications for Nonthermal Shortwave Therapy
• Precautions for All Forms of Diathermy
• Precautions for Nonthermal Shortwave Therapy
• Precautions for Therapists Applying Diathermy
• Adverse Effects of Diathermy
• Burns
• Application Technique
• Positioning
• Documentation
• Examples
• Clinical Case Studies