Modalities Flashcards
Conduction
Heat is transferred from a warmer object to a cooler one (ratio depends on exposure time and temperature)
Convection
Transference of heat through the movement of fluids or gases
Radiation
Heat energy is transferred from one object through space to another object
Conversion
Generation of heat from another energy form such as sound, electricity, and chemical agents
TENS unit
stimulate peripheral nerves
NMES unit
electrical current used to stimulate muscle directly
MENS/ LES units
uses current intensities too small to
excite peripheral nerves
gate control
decreased pain during stimulation; tingling sensation intensity, high pulse duration and frequency
descending pain control
intense stimulation of small pain fibers at trigger/acupuncture points cause stimulation
of descending neurons, which then affect pain transmission by closing gate at spinal cord level
opiate pain control
electrical stimulation stimulates release of enkephalin from local sites through CNS and
release of beta-endorphins from pituitary gland into CSF
muscle pumping
helps stimulate circulation by pumping fluid and blood through venous & lymphatic channels
back to the heart; high volt monophasic recommended
muscle strengthening
high-frequency biphasic current at 50-60 pps to elicit a tetanic muscle contraction during
surging current set at 15:50; combine with maximal active contraction
retardation of atrophy
same settings as muscle strengthening (athlete should incorporate voluntary isometric
contraction)
muscle re-education
intensity to elicit a comfortable contraction at 30-50 pps – athlete should watch and feel
contraction and attempt to initiate a voluntary contraction
effleurage light stroking
designed primarily to be a sedative; also used in early stages of injury treatment
