Physical Agent Modalities for the Rehab Professional - Green Track

This course has been approved by the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Advisory Council for 30 contact hours Pursuant to: N.J.A.C 13:44-5.4.

Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs) is designed to educate occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants on the use of electrophysical agents, including electrical stimulation (pulsed, alternating, and direct current) and superficial and deep thermal agents (ultrasound, shortwave diathermy, and laser). This course is also open to PT/PTAs and Athletic Trainers.

The course covers the biophysical principles of each physical agent, focusing on their physiologic effects, indications, precautions, and contraindications. You will learn the best current practices for selecting and applying physical agents based on the patient’s pathology, impairments, and functional limitations. Participants will observe, discuss, and perform these applications in both lecture and laboratory settings.

Special emphasis will be placed on the safe and effective selection of parameters, dosing intensity, and documentation of treatments. The course will prepare you in both the theory and clinical application of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), functional electrical stimulation (FES), iontophoresis, phonophoresis, and continuous and pulsed therapeutic ultrasound.

This comprehensive course includes lectures, laboratory sessions, and case studies, offering hands-on learning to ensure participants leave equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Appropriate Disciplines: ATs, OT/COTAs, PT/PTAs
Course Level: Introductory
Instructional Methods: Lecture, Demonstration, Hands-On Labs, Case Studies, Problem Solving Assessment Methods: Hands on Lab Observation, Quiz

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.

The course length and content has been designed to meet the Physical Agent Modalities didactic training requirements for Occupational Therapists in the following states: CA, FL, ID, IL, MA, MD, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, PA, SD, WI, WV

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the characteristics of commonly used waveforms
• Select the most appropriate modality and parameter settings to trigger physiological responses
• Inhibit pain using Gate Control Theory and by stimulating the release of Endorphins
• Inhibit sympathetic nervous system tone
• Facilitate and inhibit muscle recruitment
• Select the appropriate protocol to strengthen muscle tissue
• Discuss terminology and principles related to the application of ultrasound
• Discuss indications and contraindications of therapeutic ultrasound
• Identify common myths and errors in parameter selection and application of ultrasound therapy
• 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
• Select dosage for therapeutic ultrasound based on tissue healing stages and desired therapeutic outcome.
• Describe the effects of continuous and pulsed short wave diathermy
• List the indications and contraindications of short wave diathermy
• Outline the application of short wave diathermy to phases of healing
• Describe the biochemical and physiologic effects of LLLT
• Manipulate the treatment parameters of LLLT to appropriately dose LLLT in clinical practice
• Integrate the application of LLLT into the comprehensive treatment plan
• Select evidence-based modality and parameter
• Inhibit pain using Gate Control Theory
• Inhibit pain by stimulating the release of Endorphins
• Facilitate and inhibit muscle recruitment
• Select the appropriate electrical stimulation protocol to Strengthen or stretch muscle tissue
• Facilitate muscle recruitment in specific clinical presentations: , wrist drop foot, shoulder subluxation, flaccid hand.
• Identify and treat trigger points using electrophysical agents and manual techniques
• Correctly apply surface electrodes and electrotherapy treatment protocols to
• Apply Highvolt pulsed current and NMES techniques to manage edema
• Apply Highvolt pulsed current and NMES techniques to manage edema
• Combine thermal agents and stretching to increase soft tissue extensibility
• Administer physical agents to increase blood flow and cellular activity
• Correctly select and apply the most appropriate ultrasound and Short wave diathermy parameters for thermal and non-thermal applications.
• Correctly apply low level laser in protocols designed to decrease pain and promote tissue healing
• Formulate and execute therapeutic interventions integrating physical modalities for simulated patient problems.
• Accurately document physical agent modality applications delivered in patient care

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Course Instructor(s)

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Course Agenda

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