DPT 6207 - Physical Agents Lecture

This course gives an overview of the principles of management of patients using modalities including, but not limited to, superficial heating and cold modalities, contrast bath, light therapy, microwave therapy, aquatic therapies, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, manual therapy, massage, vasopneumatic devices, and traction. The objective of this course is to provide the student with sound clinical rationale for use of modalities in the management of patient conditions in order to provide better patient care. Overall emphasis will be learning safe, effective, autonomous practice utilizing modalities. Students are expected to integrate their knowledge of kinesiology, physics, anatomy and physiology from previous courses in order to safely apply modalities to patients. Emphasis will be on care of the patient with orthopedic, neuromuscular dysfunction, and multi-system involvement who require modalities. The objectives of this course will include goal setting, direct intervention in relation to prescribing and applying modalities, monitoring response to modality techniques, and the provision of patient education as it relates to modality techniques. All course work will be directed towards building sound clinical judgment for evidence-based practice as outlined in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice. Lectures, demonstrations, case studies, required readings, and laboratory activities will reinforce clinical logic and help students learn to apply modality techniques primarily to adult patients with various conditions.