Physical Agent Modalities For Occupational Therapists And Occupational Therapy Assistants

Course overview

Physical Agent Modalities (PAM's) for Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants is designed as an introductory course to educate occupational therapy practitioners in the use of physical agents in the areas of electrotherapy and ultrasound. The physical principles and biophysical effects of cryotherapy, heat, ultrasound and electrical currents are presented as they are related to the treatment for indicated pathological conditions. Emphasis is placed on principles of differential diagnosis in the selection and application of appropriate physical agents. The course will prepare the participant in the theory and clinical application of ultrasound, iontophoresis, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and neuromuscular electrical nerve stimulation (NMES). Additional topics included are: the use of PAM's within the Occupational Therapy Framework with review of AOTA's 2003 position paper on PAM's and the Florida statute requirements for occupational therapist. This Physical agents modalities course was designed by an occupational therapist for occupational therapists. Course presentation will include lectures, laboratory sessions and problem based learning via case studies.