Introduction to Modalities Cryotherapy Introduction o Modalities are

Introduction to Modalities & Cryotherapy

Introduction o Modalities are used almost every day in an athletic training room or physical therapy visit. o On your own, come up with as many modalities as you can in 2 minutes. o First example n ICE BAGS

Objectives o By the end of the lesson… n n n Define terminology used in modalities Identify 3 types of Modalities List the different types of cold modalities

Terminology o Modality: n A method of application of any therapeutic agent o Cryo-therapy: n The use of cold to help facilitate a healing environment o Thermo-therapy: n The use of heat to help facilitate a healing environment o Electro-therapy: n The use of electricity to help facilitate a healing environment

First things first o No modality (cold, hot or electrical) can accelerate the healing of an injury o HOWEVER n By treating an injury with cryo, thermal or electrical therapy, we attempt to provide the BEST environment for the healing process to take place. o Example: n If we let dirt get into a lacerated finger, what will happen? n If we remove the dirt from a lacerated finger, what will happen?

Cryo-Therapy o Why use cold to treat injuries? n Reduces the chance for MORE swelling by constricting blood vessels o What ways have we used cold in the TR? n n Ice bags Ice massage Ice bath Game Ready

Why use Cryo-Therapy o Treat acute injuries Treat muscle spasms Relieve aches & pain Reduces swelling o Four effects of cold o o o n n Cold sensation Burning sensation Aching Numbing

Cryo-Therapy o Ice Bags n o When to use it n n n o Acute injury or inflammation Acute or Chronic Pain After surgery When not to use it n n o Most common use of injury treatment Over open wounds Problems with circulation Cold allergy or hypersensitivity Anesthetized skin Time Frame n 15 minutes application

Cryo-Therapy o Ice Massage n Used on small areas of injury o When to use it: n n Sub-acute injury Muscle strains Contusions Acute or chronic pain o When not to use it n n Open wounds Circulation problems Cold allergy or hypersensitivity Anesthetized skin o Time frame n 5 -10 min of application

Cryo-Therapy o Ice Bath / Whirlpool n Used for a large area of the body for submersion o When to use it n n Acute injury or inflammation Acute or Chronic pain o When not to use it n n Cardiac or respiratory problems Open wounds Circulatory problems Cold allergy or hypersensitive o Time Frame n 8 -12 min of application

Cryo-therapy o Controlled Cold Therapy n n o When to use it n n n o Acute injury or inflammation Acute or chronic pain Post surgery When not to use it n n o AKA: Game Ready Combines external compression & cold application Open wounds Circulatory problems Cold allergy or hypersensitivity Possible fracture when compression is used Time Frame n n n Varies depending on use Acute: 15 -20 min Post surgical: 30 -60 min

Now ya know… o How long should an ice massage be applied? o When can we use cold therapy? o What exactly IS a modality?

Analyze your article: o In ONE color, highlight the cool things that you read! Anything you might have said “wow” at. o Underline sentences or [bracket big sections] of information that you need to translate into language you understand & write that down! (Please ) o Then, in ANOTHER color, highlight the things that you think I learned! And/or things that you think can/should be incorporated into our athletic training room.