Therapeutic Modalities Flashcards

What is the primary thermal effect of continuous therapeutic ultrasound at 1 MHz?

Answer: Deep tissue heating (up to 5 cm)

1 MHz ultrasound penetrates to depths of 3-5 cm, making it effective for deep tissue heating in muscles and joints.

Which cryotherapy application is MOST appropriate during the acute phase of a muscle strain?

Answer: Ice massage

Ice massage is appropriate during the acute phase to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation following a muscle strain.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) primarily reduces pain through which mechanism?

Answer: Gate control theory and endorphin release

TENS reduces pain primarily through the gate control theory by stimulating large-diameter afferent fibers and promoting endorphin release.

When applying therapeutic ultrasound, what does the spatial average temporal average (SATA) intensity reflect?

Answer: The average power output over time and transducer area

SATA intensity represents the average power output averaged over both the transducer area and the total treatment time, including off times for pulsed modes.

A 3 MHz ultrasound frequency is MOST appropriate for treating which tissue depth?

Answer: Superficial tissues (1-2 cm)

3 MHz ultrasound is absorbed more rapidly and is effective for heating superficial tissues at 1-2 cm depth.

Iontophoresis uses electrical current to drive which type of substance transdermally?

Answer: Ionized medications

Iontophoresis uses direct current to drive ionized medications through the skin into underlying tissues for localized drug delivery.

Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for the use of electrical stimulation?

Answer: Cardiac pacemaker

Electrical stimulation is absolutely contraindicated in patients with cardiac pacemakers due to the risk of interfering with pacemaker function.