Therapeutic Intervention and Modalities Flashcards

An athlete presents with a Grade II lateral ankle sprain sustained one hour ago, characterized by significant effusion and pain. To best manage the acute inflammation and control edema, which therapeutic modality is most appropriate?

Answer: Intermittent compression with cryotherapy

In the acute inflammatory phase of an injury, the primary goals are to control pain, limit bleeding, and minimize edema. Intermittent compression with cryotherapy is the most effective choice. Cryotherapy induces vasoconstriction, which limits swelling and reduces pain by slowing nerve conduction. Intermittent compression mechanically assists in moving excess fluid out of the interstitial space. Continuous ultrasound, moist heat, and diathermy are all thermotherapies that cause vasodilation and are contraindicated in the acute phase as they would increase swelling and inflammation.

Which of the following patient conditions represents an absolute contraindication for the application of therapeutic ultrasound?

Answer: Over a known or suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Applying therapeutic ultrasound over an area of suspected deep vein thrombosis is an absolute contraindication. The mechanical and thermal energy from the ultrasound could dislodge the thrombus, potentially leading to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. While caution is warranted in other areas, ultrasound is often indicated for treating chronic strains, trigger points, and joint contractures, and can be used cautiously around healing incisions.

An athletic trainer is designing a rehabilitation plan for an athlete 6 weeks post-Achilles tendon repair. The athlete has good range of motion and is cleared to begin progressive strengthening. Which exercise is the MOST appropriate next step to introduce?

Answer: Bilateral concentric/eccentric calf raises on a stable surface

Therapeutic exercise should follow a safe and logical progression. After establishing foundational range of motion and basic muscle activation, the next step is to introduce controlled strengthening. Bilateral calf raises on a stable surface provide a controlled load through the healing tendon in a functional weight-bearing position, targeting both concentric and eccentric strength. Plyometrics, hopping, and high-speed isokinetics are all high-level, high-impact activities that would be introduced much later in the rehabilitation process to avoid re-injury.

An athletic trainer advises an athlete to use an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, for managing acute musculoskeletal inflammation. What is the primary mechanism of action for this class of drugs?

Answer: Inhibiting the production of prostaglandins by blocking the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme.

NSAIDs exert their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects primarily by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. This enzyme is critical for the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are key chemical mediators of inflammation, pain, and fever. By blocking COX and reducing prostaglandin levels, NSAIDs effectively decrease the inflammatory response. The other options describe mechanisms of other drug classes like opioids or muscle relaxants.

According to the Maitland grading system for joint mobilizations, what is the primary therapeutic purpose of a Grade IV mobilization?

Answer: To increase range of motion using small amplitude oscillations performed at the limit of the available range and into tissue resistance.

A Grade IV Maitland mobilization consists of small amplitude, oscillatory movements performed at the very end of the available range of motion, pushing into tissue resistance. Its primary goal is to stretch the joint capsule and periarticular tissues to address stiffness and increase joint mobility. Grade I and II are for pain management. A high-velocity thrust is a Grade V mobilization (manipulation).

To elicit a muscle pumping contraction for edema reduction using high-voltage pulsed current (HVPC), which parameter settings are most appropriate?

Answer: A 1:5 duty cycle (e.g., 5s on, 25s off) with a frequency of 2-4 pps to elicit muscle twitches.

To create a muscle 'pumping' effect to 'milk' fluid from the interstitial space, the goal is to create repetitive, non-fatiguing muscle twitches, not a sustained tetanic contraction. This is achieved with a low pulse frequency (2-4 pps). A duty cycle with a long off-time, such as 1:5, allows the muscle to contract and then fully relax, facilitating the mechanical movement of edema. The other settings are more appropriate for pain control (sensory-level, high frequency) or muscle strengthening/re-education (tetanic contraction).