Physical Agent Modalities - FL
This course meets the Florida didactic requirements for OTs to qualify for the use of an electrical stimulation device (4hrs) and
for the use of an ultrasonic stimulation device (4hrs). Florida Administrative Code 64B11-4.001 Use of Prescription Devices.
Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs) is designed to educate occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the use of electro-physical agents in the areas of therapeutic electrical current and therapeutic ultrasound. The course also serves as a modalities update for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and athletic trainers. An evidenced-based approach to the use of therapeutic electrical currents (pulsatile, alternating, and direct current), and therapeutic ultrasound will be provided. The biophysical principles of each physical agent will be presented. The physiologic effects, indications, precautions and contraindications will be emphasized, along with the best current practices. The appropriate selection and application of physical agents, based on the existing pathology, impairments and functional limitations will be discussed, demonstrated, and performed by participants. Safe and effective parameter selection, dosing of intensity and documentation of treatment will be emphasized during the lecture and laboratory portions of the course. This course will prepare participants in the theory of and clinical application of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), functional electrical stimulation (FES), and continuous and pulsed therapeutic ultrasound.
Course presentation will include lecture and hands on labs using electrotherapy and ultrasound equipment.
Please bring lab attire that allows for access to the shoulder (e.g. loose fitting t-shirt, tank top etc.)
Equipment and electrodes are provided for hands-on labs. Each participant will receive a course manual at check-in.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- • Describe the requirements, criteria and responsibilities for PAMs certification within the state of Florida.
- • Explain the biophysical principles and biological effects of sound waves and electricity.
- • Understand Ohm’s law as it relates to the principles of current flow, resistance/impedance, and current density during the application of electrotherapy.
- • Understand and apply electrotherapy terminology necessary to design and document safe and effective electrotherapy and ultrasound treatments.
- • Discuss elements of acute and chronic pain.
- • Discuss and apply the principles of the gate control theory and the endogenous opiate theory, as it relates to the use of TENS for pain management.
- • Examine the physiologic effects, indications, and contraindications, related to the application of TENS, NMES, FES, pulsed ultrasound, and continuous ultrasound.
- • Choose appropriate electrotherapy treatments, waveforms and parameter selections to safely and effectively treat specific conditions and impairments.
- • Dose and apply electrical stimulation and therapeutic ultrasound based on stage of tissue healing and the desired therapeutic outcome.
- • Identify common myths and errors in parameter selection and application of electrotherapy and ultrasound.
- • Discuss clinically relevant research that will guide participants in selecting parameters of treatment that yield more predictable thermal and non-thermal responses in human tissue.
- • Administer electrotherapy treatments to modulate pain, reduce muscle spasm, retard the formation of edema, and improve muscle performance.
- • Apply knowledge of indications, physiologic effects, contraindications, and contemporary research; to deliver safe and effective electrotherapy and ultrasound treatments.
- • Lab: participants will demonstrate proper parameter selection, dosing, and application of electrical stimulation and ultrasound.
Course Instructor(s)
Joe Gallo
DSc, ATC, PT
Dr. Joe Gallo earned his BS in Physical Education and Athletic Training and his Master’s in Physical Therapy. He also holds a Doctor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. He currently serves as Director and Professor in the Salem State University Athletic Training Program. He also held faculty appointments in various physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs in his over 20 year career as an educator. Dr. Gallo is currently a Certified Instructor for the VitalStim® Therapy Specialty Program teaching NMES for the treatment of dysphagia. He has taught over 300 continuing education workshops to rehabilitation specialists across the United States. Joe’s research on electrophysical agents has been published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, and the Chinese journal of Sportsmedicine. In addition to his teaching and research, Joe has also maintained clinical practice in a variety of settings throughout his career.
Financial Disclosures: Dr. Gallo receives an honorarium for speaking/teaching live courses through CIAO Seminars. He also receives royalties for the purchase of his recorded courses and the purchase of his Ultrasound book.
Non-Financial Disclosures: Dr. Gallo uses modalities in his clinical practice.
Course Agenda
07:30 - 08:00
Registration (snack/refreshments provided)
08:00 - 09:30
Electrotherapy Characteristics (history, types, duration, frequency, waveforms, indications, clinical applications effects)
09:30 - 10:00
Electrotherapy Lab (Procedures - parameters, placement, dosing, protocols)
10:15 - 11:15
Electrotherapy Lab continued (Procedures - parameters, placement, dosing, protocols)
11:15 - 12:15
Electrotherapy (precautions, contraindications, patient education, examples, rationale, research)
01:15 - 02:00
Ultrasound Characteristics (history, effects, indications)
02:00 - 02:30
Ultrasound (clinical decisions, contraindications, parameters, safety, patient education)
02:30 - 03:00
Ultrasound Lab (Procedures - parameters, placement, dosing, protocols)
03:15 - 04:15
Ultrasound Lab continued (Procedures - parameters, placement, dosing, protocols)
04:15 - 05:30
Ultrasound (clinical applications, examples, rationale, research)
Contact hours pre-approved for:
- 8.0 Hours
- CIAO is an AOTA Approved Provider #4119 (0.8 AOTA CEUs)
- This course meets PDU Requirements for NBCOT (9.5 PDUs)
- CIAO is a BOC Approved Provider #P2881 (ATs)
- This program is eligible for a maximum of 8 Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
- This activity is provided by the Texas Board of PT Examiners Accredited Prov #2202009#TX
- This activity meets continuing competence requirements for PT/PTA license renewal in TX
- The assignment of Texas PT CCUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE
- CIAO is a Rule Approved Provider for the Florida Board of Physical Therapy
- CIAO is an Approved Provider for the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy
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- Approved for:
- 9.5 Hrs. OT/COTAs, PT/PTAs in FL (CE Broker 20-347102)
- 8.0 hrs. PT/PTAs in TX (APTA TX Chapter Approval #2202009TX)
- 8.0 hrs. Registered with CEBroker for OT/COTAs in AL, FL, LA, MS
Course meets requirements for:
PT/PTAs in AL, AK, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, MD, MA, MI, MO, MT, NE, NH, NC, ND, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
OT/COTAs in AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, HI, ID, IA, IN, KS, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT,
OT/COTAs in NE, NV, NH, NJ,, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WY
The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
CIAO is recognized on the NBCOT Provider Registry (meets PDU requirements for NBCOT)
CIAO Automatically reports to CE Broker for Florida Occupational and Physical Therapists and Assistants.
Florida SLPs can either use the ASHA CE Participant Form (Bubble Sheet) or self-submit through CE Broker.
CIAO is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to offer continuing education for Certified Athletic Trainers.