Course Description:

There is strong evidence to support the use of physical agent modalities during physical and occupational therapy for patients with neurological disorders. This course will look at four conditions that are common with neurological disorders: spasticity, weakness, pain, and contractures. After summarizing the evidence to support their use, we will outline the use of TENS to minimize spasticity, NMES to address weakness, TENS for central neuropathic pain, and deep and superficial heat in treating contractures. Specific protocols are offered and demonstrations of each protocol is included. As an adjunct to other aspects of rehabilitation, physical agent modalities can add variety to and increase the effectiveness of your plan of care for patients with stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.