Course Description
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Which modality? Which parameter settings? What physiological effects are triggered? This two-day workshop delves into electrical stimulation, iontophoresis, cryotherapy, superficial heat and ultrasound used in patient care today, highlighting the benefits and practical applications of each modality. The course emphasizes practical application and assumes prior knowledge of the use of modalities in rehabilitation. Participants will receive extensive hands-on practice using the latest applications with state-of-the-art equipment. The course is open to OT/COTA’s, PT/PTA’s and Athletic Trainers. Participants will gain a practical understanding of the application of common electrotherapy waveforms (Interferential current, Premod, High Volt, Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Biphasic, Microcurrent, iontophoresis), cryotherapy, superficial heat and ultrasound and will learn to apply the modalities for specific conditions, for example subluxated shoulder and drop foot in stroke, complex regional pain syndrome (RSD), disuse atrophy, chronic and acute pain, and more. The participants will also learn to combine the modalities with surface EMG to obtain dynamic treatment results that maximize the patient’s involvement.
Note: Bring appropriate clothing for labs (shorts, short sleeve shirts, etc)
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- • Describe the characteristics of commonly used waveforms.
- • Describe and apply surface electromyography (sEMG)
- • 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 cryotherapy , superficial heat, 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.
Scott DeMahy
Scott deMahy is the Director of Rehab for Andrews Institute Rehabilitation. Scott has over 15 years experience in orthopaedics and neuro. Scott received his B.S. from the University of Louisiana Lafayette in 1993 and his Bachelor of PT at Hogeschool Enschede in the Netherlands in 1996. He has presented for the last 10 years on sports injuries and orthopaedics. Scott has completed research on Three Resistive Training Programs on Shoulder Strength and Power. He has over 3000 hours assessment and treatment using the Biodex Balance Systems and is a Biodex Advanced User Workshop Instructor.
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.
Tom Holland
PhD, PT
Dr. Tom Holland received his physical therapy education and his PhD degree from the Physical Therapy Program of NYU. He is an Assistant Professor at the City University of New York - Hunter College/Program in Physical Therapy. In addition, he is an Adjunct Instructor at New York University, Columbia University, and Dominican College. His practice includes per diem work at Kessler Institute (Saddle Brook NJ). Tom's physical therapist practice and specialty areas include physical modalities and kinesiology. Tom has been a Certified VitalStim Instructor since 2002 and has co-taught dozens of VitalStim Certification Courses across the country.
Financial Disclosure: Tom receives honoraria from CIAO Seminars for the presentation of this course. He also receives royalties for the purchase of his recorded course(s)
Non-Financial Disclosure: no relevant relationships
15 Minutes
Course Introduction – Review of electro-physical agents
105 Minutes
Electrotherapy: History, Waveforms
105 Minutes
Elecrotherapy: Indications
30 Minutes
Electrotheraphy: Indications Continued
90 Minutes
Electrotheraphy: Procedures, Clinical Applications
135 Minutes
Electrotherapy: Precautions
120 Minutes
Elecrotherapy Lab
120 Minutes
Electrotherapy: Case Studies
120 Minutes
Cryotherapy , Superficial heat, Ultrasound
60 Minutes
Ultrasound Lab
Contact hours pre-approved for:
- CEUs: 1.5 (15 Hours)
- CIAO is an AOTA Approved Provider #4119 (OT/COTAs)
- This course meets PDU requirements for NBCOT
- CIAO is an Illinois Approved Provider for PT/PTA
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)
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