Campus Location:
Georgetown, Wilmington
Effective Date: 2017-51
Course Number and Title:
PTA 102 - Modalities
Prerequisite:
PTA 100, SSC 100
Course Credits and Hours:
3 Credits
2 Lecture hours/week
4 Lab hours/week
Course Description:
This course introduces the theory and skill development in
modalities, electrical stimulation, pain management, and wound
care. It integrates didactic, laboratory, and clinical experiences.
Required Text(s):
Obtain current text book information at
https://www.dtcc.edu/student-resources/bookstores or
www.dtcc.edu/allschedules or by visiting the bookstore. You will
need to know the course number and section.
Additional Materials:
Provided by Instructor
Method of Instruction:
Face-to-Face
Disclaimer:
None
Core Course Performance Objectives:
1. Use professional behaviors in the classroom and clinic settings. (CCC 3,4; PGC 6)
2. Describe and discuss normal tissue response to injury. (CCC 2; PGC 3,5)
3. Appraise aspects of pain as it relates to physical therapy. (CCC 2; PGC 3,5)
4. Describe the physiological response to heat and cold. (CCC 2; PGC 3,5)
5. Demonstrate competence in the application of physical therapy modalities. (CCC 2; PGC
2,3,5)
6. Discuss the role of physical therapy in treatment of peripheral vascular diseases. (CCC 2,
PGC 3,5)
7. Examine the role of physical therapy in wound care. (CCC 2; PGC 3,5)
8. Apply learned skills of modalities used in a physical therapy clinical setting. (CCC 1,2,3;
PGC 1,2,3,5)
See Core Curriculum Competencies (CCC) and Program Graduate Competencies (PGC) at the
end of the syllabus. Course objectives are coded to the competency(cies) they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
1. Use professional behaviors in the classroom and clinic settings.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Comply with beginning and developing level professional behaviors consistent with a
professional behaviors tool. These include but are not limited to adhering to designated
times for each educational experience, following a dress code, being adequately
prepared, participating in class discussions, following laboratory and safety rules
using appropriate interpersonal dynamics, and communication skills.
Perform and identify research findings in the professional literature.
Evaluate literature using specific criteria.
Discuss the concept of evidence-based practice, and exhibit openness to contradictory
ideas related to professional practice.
2. Describe and discuss normal tissue response to injury.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Describe clinical signs and characteristics of the stages of tissue repair.
Describe clinical signs and characteristics of the stages of wound healing.
Recognize appropriate physical therapy interventions for the different stages of tissue
repair.
Discuss factors that influence wound healing.
3. Appraise aspects of pain as it relates to physical therapy.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
Define and discuss pain and the terms: acute, chronic, referred, and radicular.
Discuss the physiological and psychological basis for pain.
Summarize theories of pain control.
Explain the pain-spasm-pain cycle that occurs in a skeletal muscle.
Select appropriate techniques used to assess and document pain.
Chart pain behaviors and reactions, and recognize the need for outside consultation.
4. Describe the physiological response to heat and cold.
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
Define the methods of heat transmission.
Identify indications, contraindications, and precautions for heat and cold application.
Describe normal and abnormal responses to heat and cold application.
Recognize absent or altered sensation and the implication for use with heat and cold.
5. Demonstrate competence in the application of physical therapy modalities.
5.1
5.2
Identify safety issues regarding the use of modalities, and adhere to safety practices in
the lab.
Recognize observable responses to physical therapy modalities, including normal and
abnormal integumentary changes.
5.3
5.4
Recognize when intervention should not be provided due to changes in patient status
and actively seek assistance from the supervising physical therapist when treating
various conditions.
Practice thorough, accurate, logical, concise, timely, and legible documentation using
the subjective, objective, assessment, plan (SOAP) note format for patients receiving
therapeutic modalities.
Spinal Traction
5.5 Describe the effects of cervical and pelvic traction.
5.6 Identify indications and contraindications for cervical and pelvic traction.
5.7 Safely and effectively set up cervical and pelvic traction within the physical therapist’s
plan of care.
5.8 Provide a treatment rationale to patients and caregivers on the use of traction in
selected conditions.
5.9 Assess patients’ response to traction and identify appropriate modifications within the
plan of care.
Continuous Passive Motion (CPM)
5.10 Describe treatment goals for CPM.
5.11 Identify indications and contraindications for CPM.
5.12 Recognize proper clinical application of CPM.
Electrotherapeutic Modalities
5.13 Describe the physiological effects of electrical stimulation.
5.14 Identify indications and contraindications for electrical stimulation.
5.15 Provide a treatment rationale to patients and caregivers on the use of electrical
stimulation in selected conditions.
5.16 Safely and effectively set up electrical stimulation within a plan of care established by
a physical therapist including but not limited to:
a. High voltage pulsed current
b. Interferential current
c. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
d. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
5.17 Describe the clinical uses of:
a. Neuroprobe
b. Iontophoresis
c. Microcurrent
d. Functional electrical stimulation (FES)
e. Low volt
f. Ultrasound/electrical stimulation combination
g. Biofeedback
5.18 Monitor others in the use of appropriate electrical stimulation modalities for home use.
5.19 Monitor patients’ response to electrical stimulation and identify appropriate
modifications within the plan of care.
Thermal Agents
5.20 Describe the physiological effects of thermal agents.
5.21 Identify indications and contraindications for thermal agents.
5.22
5.23
5.24
5.25
Practice providing a treatment rationale to patients and caregivers on the use of
thermal agents in selected conditions.
Safely and effectively set up thermal modalities within a plan of care established by a
physical therapist including but not limited to:
a.
Hot packs
b.
Cold packs
c.
Cold bath
d.
Paraffin
e.
Ice massage
f.
Ultrasound (pulsed and continuous)
g.
Hydrotherapy
Practice assessing the patients’ response to thermal agents and identify appropriate
modifications within the plan of care.
Describe indications, contraindications, and purpose for the following modalities:
a.
Infrared
b.
Ultraviolet
c.
Diathermy
d.
Hyperbaric oxygen
e.
Laser
f.
Fluoromethane
6. Discuss the role of physical therapy in treatment of peripheral vascular diseases.
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
Define the peripheral vascular system.
Describe the clinical picture of the following pathologies:
a.
Arteriosclerosis
b.
Thromboangitis Obliterans
c.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
d.
Thrombophlebitis
e.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
f.
Varicose Veins
g.
Lymphedema
Explain physical therapy interventions in the management of edema including:
elevation, thermal agents, massage, exercise, wrapping, and mechanical
compression.
Discuss the indications, contraindications and application of intermittent pneumatic
compression.
7. Examine the role of physical therapy in wound care.
7.1
7.2
7.3
Distinguish between the different types of wounds commonly treated in physical
therapy including pressure ulcers, stasis ulcers, diabetic ulcers, burns, lacerations,
and surgical wounds.
Define pressure ulcer and explain the differences seen in the stages of pressure
ulcers.
Describe the different degrees of burns based on tissue involvement and the rule of
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
7.10
7.11
7.12
7.13
nines.
Identify the indications for the use of modalities for wound care based on the
following wounds: burns, pressure ulcers, lacerations, surgical wounds, arterial
insufficiency, venous insufficiency, and diabetic ulcers.
Discuss the role of physical therapy and appropriate use of modalities (ultrasound,
electrical stimulation, pulsatile lavage, and whirlpool) in treatment of wounds.
Identify the common dressings and medications used in physical therapy for wound
care.
Identify current medical treatment techniques utilized with patients with burn
injuries.
Identify appropriate methods of application and removal of dressings.
Provide proper documentation regarding wound contraction, drainage, location,
odor, shape, size and depth.
Recognize activities, positioning and postures that aggravate the wound/scar or can
produce additional trauma.
Identify appropriate infection control measures, including hand washing, cleaning
and disinfecting equipment, and using sterile or clean technique.
Identify purpose, indications, contraindications, and methods for wound
debridement giving examples of viable versus non-viable tissue.
Practice the ability to perform wound care management including but not limited to
measurement and different dressings.
8. Apply learned skills of modalities used in a physical therapy clinical setting.
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
Demonstrate appropriate rationale to a clinical instructor for clinical use of physical
agent modalities and basic techniques.
Practice the application of physical agent modalities in a safe and effective manner
under the supervision of a clinical instructor.
Describe the clinical experience and perform a self-assessment of knowledge and
skills.
Integrate previous classroom and laboratory knowledge and competency testing
skills during mobility capacity testing.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies:
Students will demonstrate proficiency on all Core Course Performance Objectives at least to the
75 percent level to successfully complete the course. The grade will be determined using the
College Grading System:
92 – 100=
83 – 91=
75 – 82=
0 – 74 =
A
B
C
F
Students should refer to the Student Handbook for information on Academic Standing Policy,
Academic Honesty Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to
their academic progress.
Core Curriculum Competencies: (The competencies every graduate will develop)
1. Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
2. Demonstrate effective problem solving and reasoning skills.
3. Work effectively in groups of people from diverse backgrounds.
4. Demonstrate ethical and professional understanding and conduct.
5. Apply appropriate information literacy skills to locate, evaluate, and use information
effectively.
6. Use computer technology appropriate to the field.
7. Use scientific and mathematical reasoning appropriate to the technology.
Program Graduate Competencies: (The competencies every graduate will develop specific
to his/her major.)
1. Work under the supervision of a physical therapist in an ethical, legal, safe and effective
manner.
2. Implement PT interventions within the plan of care.
3. Perform specific data collection techniques related to the plan of care.
4. Demonstrate effective communication in the physical therapy environment.
5. Formulate appropriate judgments and modification to the program within the patient’s plan
of care.
6. Demonstrate effective interactions and professional behaviors.
7. Participate in career development activities.
8. Exhibit a commitment to the physical therapy profession, physical therapy patients, and the
community.