Physical Therapy Modalities
We use physical therapy modalities to hasten the healing process and promote participation in our functional restoration programs. Cryotherapy (ice or cold application) is used to reduce soft tissue swelling, decrease local blood flow and reduce pain. Superficial heat applications like hot packs, paraffin bath, hydroculator packs and deeper heating modalities (ultrasound) are prescribed to relieve pain, to assist with range of motion and improve patient tolerance to our stretching and mobilization programs.
These are passive modalities, meaning, their application do not require active physical participation from the patient. We monitor closely each individual case and promote self-applications of most of these modalities to prevent dependency in the therapist.
If you want or have been advised by your doctor to receive physical therapy, please call our office.
Portage: 269-372-7200
Battle Creek: 269-979-5500
We utilize deeper heating modalities to increase the extensibility of connective tissues and muscles. We use electrotherapy (TENS, interferential current therapy) based on the “Gate Theory” to reduce pain and allow participation in our exercise programs. Lastly we prescribe Iontophoresis as a painless method to deliver medication into superficial tissues, by applying electrical current to “inject” a solution or a medication through the skin.
