PTAP 1240 Modalities and Techniques 2025 Exam 1

Thermal Modalities - -Alter tissue temperature to influence blood-flow, pain, tone, metabolic rate. Mechanical Modalities - -Apply mechanical force to move fluid, stretch tissue, or distract joints. Electromagnetic Modalities - -Deliver energy via EM fields for pain control, tissue heating, or photochemical effects. Cardinal Signs of Inflammation - -Redness (rubor), heat (calor), swelling (tumor), pain (dolor), loss of function (funçio laesa). Red Flags of Inflammation - -Increased skin temperature, palpable warmth, limited range of motion (ROM). Signs of Infection - -Chills, malaise, lymphangitic streaking. Local Signs of Infection - -Purulent drainage, spreading erythema, increasing pain, foul odor, fever ≥ 38 °C. Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - -Sudden shortness of breath (SOB) or chest pain indicates a medical emergency. Symptoms of DVT - -Unilateral calf/leg swelling, tenderness, warmth, pitting edema, visible dilated superficial veins. Thermotherapy - -Indicated for sub-acute/chronic pain, joint stiffness, trigger-point spasm, and before stretch. Absolute Contra-indications for Thermotherapy - -Acute hemorrhage, area of thrombophlebitis/DVT, impaired sensation, malignant tumor, impaired cognition to report heat. Key Precautions for Thermotherapy - -Pregnancy (abd/lumbar), severe CVD, open wounds without barrier, significant edema, metal implants (deep heat). Cryotherapy - -Indicated for acute injury ( 48-72 h), edema control, spasticity (short term), and post-exercise muscle soreness. Absolute Contra-indications for Cryotherapy - -Cold hypersensitivity/urticaria, cryoglobulinemia, Raynaud disease. PTAP1240 PTAP1240 Key Precautions for Cryotherapy - -Hypertension, open wounds, poor sensation or cognition. Compression (bandage or IPC) - -Indicated for edema/lymphedema, venous insufficiency ulcer, prevention of DVT, and residual limb shaping. Absolute Contra-indications for Compression - -Acute pulmonary edema, CHF decompensation, recent/untreated DVT, severe PAD (ABI 0.8), local skin infection. Key Precautions for Compression - -Hypertension (do not exceed DBP), fragile skin, sensory loss, cancer (check MD). Patient Education Essentials for Heat Therapy - -10-20 min/session, at least 1 h between sessions; normal response includes numb, cold, burning, ache → analgesia (CBAN). Patient Education Essentials for Cold Therapy - -Explain 'working vs resting pressure'; keep limb elevated during use when possible; report numbness, tingling, increased pain immediately. Patient Education Essentials for Compression Therapy - -Expect soothing warmth - never sleep on hot-pack; use 6-8 towel layers; check skin after 5 min; normal response: mild pinkness. Data-Collection Before Treatment - -Baseline skin inspection (color, integrity, temperature, capillary refill). Data-Collection During Treatment - -Sensation (light-touch, hot/cold discrimination). Data-Collection After Treatment - -Recheck pain (VAS/NPRS) and muscle guarding. Girth or Volumetric Measurements - -Used for assessing edema. Vital Signs Monitoring - -Required when using large-area heat or high IPC pressures. Post-treatment Documentation - -Document response to treatment. Conduction - -Direct contact; rate ∝ ΔT & thermal conductivity (e.g., hot-pack, ice) Convection - -Moving fluid/gas passes the tissue (whirlpool, fluidotherapy) Conversion - -Non-thermal → heat generated in tissue (ultrasound, diathermy) Radiation - -Energy emitted as EM waves (infra-red lamp) PTAP1240 PTAP1240 Evaporation - -Liquid → gas draws heat (vapocoolant spray) Cryotherapy - -↓metabolism, ↓fluid extravasation, easy home use Moist heat pack - -↑tissue extensibility, minimal equipment IPC - -IPC (40-60 mmHg, 3:1 duty) contraindicated if untreated DVT or CHF Edema - -Edema arises when net filtration (capillary hydrostatic + interstitial oncotic) exceeds lymphatic return. Capillary hydrostatic pressure - -↑ capillary hydrostatic pressure (e.g., venous insufficiency) Plasma colloi