Physical Agent Modalities in Pain Management: An Evidence-Based Approach is organized by HomeCEU.
Course Description:
As physical and occupational therapists, one of the unique tools of our trade(s) is the use of physical agent modalities. When used effectively, these modalities can be used to facilitate accomplishment of a variety of patient goals.
This course focuses on the use of physical agent modalities for the management of pain and the recent evidence supporting their use. We will look at how and when to use the following modalities for pain management: cryotherapy, superficial heat, ultrasound, electrotherapeutic agents, shortwave diathermy, iontophoresis and laser therapy. Presentation of relevant recent evidence is a major emphasis of this course.
Course Goals:
This course is intended to instruct the professional on the use of physical agent modalities in clinical practice for pain management.
Course Objectives:
• Identify key components of peripheral and central pain pathways
• Recognize concept of sensitization after injury
• Recognize pain variability
• Identify at least 2 objective methods for pain assessment
• Identify two key theories about pain and the main idea behind each of them
• Identify 3 types of pain and some key differences associated with chronic pain
• Identify 3 stages of tissue healing and time line for each stage and factors that impede optimal healing
• Identify mechanisms, uses, and recent evidence to support use of cryotherapy in pain management
• Identify mechanisms, uses, and recent evidence to support use of superficial heat in pain management
• Identify mechanisms, uses, and recent evidence to support use of transcutaneous neuromuscular stimulation (TENS) in pain management
• Identify mechanisms, uses, and recent evidence to support use of interferential current (IFC) in pain management
• Identify mechanisms, uses, and evidence to support use of ultrasound, shortwave diathermy, iontophoresis, and laser therapy in pain management