Physical Agent Modalities
Ultrasound & Phonophoresis
Thermo & Crytherapy
Electrotherapy & NMES
TENS, IFC, & LLLT
100

This category of modalities heats or cools tissues to a depth of 1–2 cm.

  • What are superficial thermal agents?
100

This ultrasound frequency treats superficial tissues.

what is 3 MHz?

100

Therapeutic heat raises tissue temperature to this range.

what is 102-113ºF?

100

this current is used for iontophoresis.

what is direct current?

100

This pain theory is used by conventional sensory TENS.

what is Gate Control Theory?

200

These two mechanical devices are considered PAMs

What are vasopneumatic devices and CPM?

200

This duty cycle produces thermal ultrasound.

what is 100% continuous?

200

This heat transfer method is used by whirlpool and fluidtherapy.

What is convection?

200

this waveform is most commonly used in OT.

What is pulsatile current?

200

This TENS type uses low frequency and visible muscle contraction 

what is Motor TENS?

300

This tissue healing stage focuses on pain and edema control 

what is the inflammatory stage?

300

This is the maximum treatment area relative to the ultrasound head

what is no more than two times the transducer size?

300

List the four analgesic phases of cryotherapy.

What are cold, burning, aching, and analgesia?
300

Typical NMES frequency falls within this range.

what is 20-50 Hz?

300

This modality uses four electrodes.

what is IFC?

400

Illinois requires this number of supervised PAM treatments.

What is five?

400

This medication delivery modality uses ultrasound.

What is phonophoresis?
400

This modality is best known for desensitization while allowing active ROM.

what is fluidtherapy?

400

Smaller electrodes create this effect. 

what is higher current density?

400

This modality delivers medication using electrical current 

what is iontophoresis?

500

PAMs should always be integrated with this type of intervention?

what is occupation-based intervention?

500

Name all four common medications used with phonophoresis

What are dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, lidocaine, and ketaprofen?

500

Heat is contraindicated during this stage of healing.

What is the inflammatory stage?

500

Give a typical NMES duty cycle.

What is 10 seconds on and 30 seconds off?

500

LLLT dosage is measured in this unit 

what is J/cm2?