Therapeutic Modalities Flashcards

Hot packs transfer heat to the body primarily through which mechanism?

Answer: Conduction

Hot packs transfer heat through conduction, which is the direct transfer of heat from one object to another through physical contact.

What is the recommended temperature range for a therapeutic warm whirlpool used for general extremity treatment?

Answer: 102°F-110°F (38.9°C-43.3°C)

The recommended temperature for a therapeutic warm whirlpool for extremity treatment is 102°F-110°F (38.9°C-43.3°C).

Interferential current (IFC) therapy typically uses which carrier frequency?

Answer: 4,000 Hz

Interferential current therapy uses a carrier frequency of approximately 4,000 Hz (4 kHz), with two slightly different frequencies creating a therapeutic beat frequency in the target tissue.

In pulsed ultrasound with a 20% duty cycle, what does this signify?

Answer: The ultrasound is on for 20% of the total treatment time

A 20% duty cycle means the ultrasound is active for 20% of the total pulse period, reducing the average heating effect while maintaining mechanical effects.

Phonophoresis combines therapeutic ultrasound with which additional treatment?

Answer: Topical medication delivery

Phonophoresis uses ultrasound energy to drive topical medications such as corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory agents transdermally into underlying tissues.

Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of moist heat packs?

Answer: Acute injuries within 24-72 hours

Moist heat packs are contraindicated for acute injuries within 24-72 hours because heat increases blood flow, which can worsen acute inflammation and edema.

Iontophoresis requires which type of electrical current to drive ions into tissue?

Answer: Direct current (DC)

Iontophoresis utilizes direct current (DC) because its unidirectional flow creates a consistent polarity needed to push like-charged ions into the tissue.