Welcome to Module 13

This module emphasizes the clinical decision-making process in the use of physical agents to support the physical therapist’s plan of care. Students will learn to evaluate when the use of a physical agent is inappropriate based on patient presentation and identify adverse responses that require immediate intervention or communication with the supervising physical therapist. Focus is placed on aligning treatment with patient goals while ensuring safety and responsiveness to individual needs.

Module Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

Lecture Outcomes

Describe the roles of physical agents in achieving short- and long-term goals within the physical therapist's plan of care (CLO 3)
Identify the indications, contraindications, precautions and parameters for common electrotherapeutic agents (CLO 8)
Determine when a physical agent should not be performed due to clinical indications within case scenario (CLO 11)
Identify responses to treatment with a physical agent that would necessitate immediate action or adjustments within the plan of care developed by the PT as well as communication with the supervising physical therapists (CLO 19)

Lab Outcomes

Describe the roles of physical agents in achieving short- and long-term goals within the physical therapist's plan of care (CLO 3)
Identify the indications, contraindications, precautions and parameters for common electrotherapeutic agents (CLO 8)
Determine when a physical agent should not be performed due to clinical indications within case scenario (CLO 11)
Identify responses to treatment with a physical agent that would necessitate immediate action or adjustments within the plan of care developed by the PT as well as communication with the supervising physical therapists (CLO 19)

(CLO = Course Learning Outcome)

To Do

Please read/watch all of the module learning materials (readings, presentations, videos, etc.) and complete all assignments/assessments listed below. If you have questions, please contact the course instructor or ask in the Questions About This Course forum.

Readings and Presentations:

Before Lab

Physical Agents Theory and Practice, Chapter 17
Chapter 17 Slides: Integration of Physical Agents
- Behrens, B, Beinert H. Integration of Physical Agents: Clinical Decision Making [PowerPoint presentation]. 2021.

Assignments/Assessments:

Complete the following assignments by the date and time indicated on each assignment page.

Independently

Chapter 17 Review Questions
Module 13 Assignment: Treatment Session with Physical Agents

In Lab

Module 13 Case Study: Integration of Physical Agents

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