When you see a physical therapist for pain or movement dysfunction, he or she may utilise a variety of strategies to help you move better and feel better. These therapies, known as therapeutic modalities or physical modalities, are utilised to supplement your physical therapy program and assist you in regaining your normal functional mobility.
Physical therapists treat their patients using a range of methods. There are several therapeutic techniques available to help strengthen, relax, and repair muscles. The ones used by your PT may differ based on your unique health issue, demands, and overall rehab objectives.
A TENS machine is a small battery-powered device that is worn on the body. Wires connect the box to adhesive pads that adhere to the skin. Small electrical pulses, similar to electric shocks, are delivered to the body's nerves. Some people with specific forms of pain may benefit from this.
TENS machine efficacy has been inconclusive so far. To fully understand the role and effect of TENS, further research are required. TENS machines, on the other hand, have proven to be a popular type of pain management for certain people.
There are two ways that TENS machines are supposed to work:
It's essential to only use a TENS machine if a doctor or other health expert recommends it. They aren't appropriate for every sort of pain or disease.
TENS machine settings may be changed without needing to see a doctor. A machine is often used for 15-20 minutes every session, many times per day.
People with musculoskeletal pain, such as long-term (chronic) back pain or knee joint arthritis, are the most prevalent users of TENS machines. They're also commonly used for pain management during the early stages of labour, especially if the mother is at home. Migraine headaches, menstrual pains, sports injuries, and sometimes (very rarely) non-painful disorders including tiredness, sleeplessness, or dementia.
Machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as different brands. Always follow the instructions that came with your machine from the manufacturer.
Some general considerations:
People who have any of the following conditions should not use a TENS machine:
Ultrasound Therapy is the use of sound waves in physiotherapy to promote physiological healing and pain relief.
Sound energy is mechanical vibration at increasing frequencies. The natural human hearing range is from 16 Hz to around 15-20,000 Hz. Beyond this limit, the mechanical vibration is referred to as ultrasonography. Therapy frequencies are generally between 1.0 and 3.0 MHz.
The effect of ultrasound on local blood flow can be utilised to assist decrease local edoema and chronic inflammation, as well as to facilitate bone fracture repair. Phonophoresis can also be accomplished using ultrasound.
This is a non-invasive method of giving drugs to tissues beneath the skin; ideal for people who are concerned about injections.
During tissue healing, it stimulate the formation of collagen (the major protein in tendons and ligaments).
Electrical Muscle Stimulation, or EMS, can be a beneficial part of your training and rehabilitation. The treatment is a low-cost, drug-free solution to achieve your goals.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation, or EMS, is a technique that employs electrical impulses to encourage muscles to contract, allowing your muscles to get stronger.
Electrical impulses might cause your muscles to contract more than they would normally during an exercise. Strength, explosiveness, and fitness performance have all been shown to benefit with EMS therapy. They can also help you recover after an accident or exercise by addressing a variety of medical issues.
EMS may help with pain relief as well as healing, which is why it's sometimes mistaken with TENS treatment (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation).
Electrodes are placed at the site of the injury in order for Electrical Muscular Stimulation to operate. A tingling feeling will develop as the electrical current output is gradually raised. The sensation is increased till it is intense yet not uncomfortable. Because the body adjusts as the current increases, it's important to raise the electrical output every few minutes.
Depending on the therapy's goal, a typical session lasts 10 to 20 minutes. You may be instructed to contract your muscles throughout the treatment if the goal is to improve muscular strength or function. EMS increases the flow of oxygenated blood to the location, which strengthens muscles, reduces healing time, and relieves pain.
EMS is a therapy recommended by doctors as a safe and effective alternative to using medications with negative effects. It has also been shown to benefit athletes in a variety of ways. For healthy persons as well as those who have injuries or medical issues, EMS offers various advantages and applications:
EMS has the ability to:
Athletes can benefit from EMS in a variety of ways. It can help avoid injuries by loosening muscles before workout. EMS is a key component in shortening post-exercise recovery durations. They can also be a good non-drug option for treating sports injuries.
EMS has been shown to improve strength and jumping ability. EMS increases athletic performance by stimulating and pushing certain muscle fibres to contract.
EMS, on the other hand, activates muscle fibres at the motor neuron level by sending pulses through the central nervous system. It is possible to activate up to 100% of the muscle fibres with EMS. Because of muscle memory, the next time the brain sends a signal for that muscle to contract, more muscle fibres will contract.
EMS has also been demonstrated to increase muscle perfusion in studies. Increased blood flow to muscles can also help you perform better in sports.
The following are some of the ways that EMS may assist.