Physiotherapy Modalities
Gresham, Oregon
What Is a Physiotherapy Modality?
A physiotherapy modality is a type of electrical, thermal, or mechanical energy that causes changes at the biological level. It is used to relieve pain, improve circulation, decrease swelling, reduce muscle spasms, and deliver medication in conjunction with other procedures. Typical modalities include Class IV laser therapy, ultrasound, heat, ice, and traction.
Benefits of Physiotherapy Modalities
Heat and Ice
- Use of hot pads and ice packs or ice massage in acute injuries and for pain relief (acute or chronic)
- Reduces swelling, inflammation, and muscle spasms
Ultrasound (US)
- High-frequency sound waves that produce a form of deep tissue heating
- For relief of pain and muscle spasms
- Promotes circulation
- Relaxes tight muscles/soft tissue – prepares tissues for stretching
Cupping
- Type of therapy involving hard plastic or silicone suction cups on the skin
- Supports healing
- Increases circulation
- Decreases muscle discomfort
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
- Involves an instrument often made of stainless steel, such as a T-tool or Ellipse along with an emollient over myofascial adhesions
- Decreases scar tissue
- Improves recovery time
- Cuts down on pain
RockTape
- Top-rated tape for kinesiology
- Gently separates the muscle and fascia from the skin to improve blood flow and healing
- Provides gentle support while allowing freedom of movement
- Great for injuries, including but not limited to back pain, runner’s knee, and shin splints
Percussor Massage Therapy
- Massage therapy using a powerful mechanical vibration instrument
- Provides relief of muscular pain while gently reducing scar tissue and relaxing fascia
Apollo Class IV Laser Treatment
- Use of specific wavelengths of light that interact with tissue to accelerate the healing process
- Painless, quick, and effective for pain and/or healing of injured tissues
Flexion-Distraction / Traction
- A longitudinal pull or distraction of spinal segments for the relief of nerve irritation (radiculitis) or muscle spasms by use hands, towel, or Y-strap on the cervical (neck) spine, or using a chiropractic table to flex and distract the lumbar (low back) spine while the practitioner stabilizes the patient’s back
- Can also be done manually
Intra-Oral Ischemic Compression
- For TMJ problems, the chiropractor can gently apply pressure to specific muscles that control the temporomandibular (jaw) joint inside the mouth, causing them to release tension that might be causing pain or clicking.
Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
- Use of low voltage electrical currents through surface electrodes that overrides the sensation of pain
- Small unit (slightly larger than a beeper) worn throughout the day for pain control that the patient can apply as needed