Therapeutic Modalities and Application Flashcards
7 cards from real CCAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Therapeutic Modalities and Application flashcards as text
During joint mobilization in a dog with hip osteoarthritis, which grade of Maitland joint mobilization is used to treat pain rather than stiffness?
Answer: Grade I or II
Grades I and II are small-amplitude oscillations within resistance-free range used primarily for pain modulation, not stretching.
Which aquatic therapy parameter is most important to monitor when treating a brachycephalic dog breed in a hydrotherapy pool?
Answer: Water temperature and duration to prevent overheating
Brachycephalic breeds are prone to hyperthermia and respiratory distress, making water temperature and session duration critical safety parameters.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) differs from TENS primarily because NMES:
Answer: Produces visible muscle contractions via motor nerve stimulation
NMES uses sufficient current intensity to depolarize motor nerves, producing muscle contractions for strengthening or re-education.
A therapist applies moist heat to a dog's hip before manual therapy. What is the PRIMARY therapeutic goal of this preparatory thermal modality?
Answer: Increase tissue extensibility and reduce muscle guarding
Superficial heat increases tissue temperature, reducing muscle spasm and improving collagen extensibility before stretching or manipulation.
Which condition is a specific indication for cryotherapy rather than thermotherapy in a canine rehabilitation patient?
Answer: Acute soft tissue injury within 72 hours
Cryotherapy is indicated in the acute phase (first 48–72 hours) to reduce inflammation, edema, and pain via vasoconstriction.
In therapeutic laser dosimetry, power density (irradiance) is expressed in:
Answer: Watts per cm²
Power density (irradiance) is measured in W/cm² and describes the concentration of power at the tissue surface.
When performing passive range of motion (PROM) exercises, what is the key distinction from active assisted range of motion (AAROM)?
Answer: PROM requires no muscular effort from the patient
PROM is performed entirely by the therapist with no voluntary muscle contraction required from the patient, preserving joint mobility without loading muscles.