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Advanced
Modalities Program
What
are Modalities?
Modalities are any devices
or equipment used to facilitate therapy outcomes. Traditional treatments,
such as hot packs, only heat up tissue down to a fraction of an inch for
a short duration. In contrast, our ultrasound and diathermy machines can
be used to heat tissue to a depth as much as 3 centimeters or 1-1/4 inches
with a much longer lasting effect.
Our
new modalities include the following:
Short-wave
diathermy: A drum-like machine,
approximately 8 inches in diameter, which puts out magnetic waves to increase
deep tissue temperature, circulation and elasticity.
Ultrasound:
A smaller wand-like instrument, which puts out sound waves and has much
the same effect as the above, used to treat smaller areas of tissue.
Electrical
stimulation (e-stim): Two machines
that use electrodes placed on the skin through which electric impulses
are sent to facilitate muscle contractions.
What
are the modalities used for?
Modalities
are used in conjunction with skilled therapy and are useful for:
- Increasing circulation
- Decreasing swelling and edema
- Deep heating tissue to allow
for greater elasticity, useful for contracture management
- Decreasing pain
- Increasing muscle movement, range of motion,
strength
Examples of modality
use in the therapy department:
- Pain management for arthritis,
stroke
- Reduce swelling in hands
and feet
- Increase circulation &
heat tissue before stretching joints to increase ROM & decrease contractures
- Stimulate muscle movement
& increase muscle strength in patients with limited ROM, as with a
stroke or joint injuries
Our
clinical programs are designed to address the complex needs of patients
experiencing a variety of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.
Applications are used to:
- Relieve pain to assist in
obtaining greater function
- Treat muscle dysfunction
- Increase circulation reduce
abnormal tone
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