PTA 200 — Theory of Physical Agents II
This course is a continuation of instruction involving physical agents previously taught in PTA 150 Theory of Physical Agents I. Electrotherapeutic modalities are introduced to modulate or decrease pain, reduce or eliminate edema, improve circulation, increase the rate of healing of open wounds and soft tissue, enhance connective tissue extensibility, decrease restrictions associated with musculoskeletal injury, increase joint mobility, decrease unwanted muscular activity, enhance neuromuscular performance, assist muscle force generation and contraction, and provide orthotic substitution during functional activities. Stages of wound healing, assessment of patients with open wounds, and clinical management are addressed. This course prepares students to utilize electrotherapeutic modalities concurrently with previously learned physical agents, when appropriate and indicated for pain, edema, tissue repair, medication delivery, impaired joint mobility, muscle disuse atrophy and orthotic substitution. Use of physical agents and electrotherapeutic modalities are discussed as an adjunct to physical therapy intervention. Appropriate tools and functional measures are discussed to assist students in reporting patient status. Classroom discussions involve theoretical and scientific background, physiological responses, indications, contraindications, precautions, clinical applications, parameter selection, documentation, discussion of c