Ever wondered what your physiotherapist is doing or what machine they're probing you with? Here are some common treatment modalities that we use, what they are, and how they help with your condition.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Cold laser therapy, or low level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to help promote the body’s natural healing process. It is a rapidly growing type of modality that can be used for a variety of acute injuries or chronic conditions. These handheld devices are used to help eliminate pain, decrease swelling and bruising, reduce muscle spasms, increase blood flow, and improve mobility and functionality. Once the light is penetrated through the skin, it is absorbed by the target area, and it interacts with the cells inside the tissues. A series of cellular events take place, resulting in a reduction of inflammation, edema, and pain, and an increase in endorphin release, cellular metabolism, circulation, and healing.
Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound is a non-invasive treatment modality that uses sound waves produced by a wand or probe to promote healing in the body. The sound waves penetrate through the skin and cause vibration of the local tissues in the area. It has been shown to increase muscle relaxation, break down scar tissue by realigning collagen fibers, promote blood flow, and reduce swelling and inflammation. Similarly to cold laser therapy, ultrasound therapy is beneficial for both acute and chronic conditions.
IFC (Interferential Current) or tens (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
IFC and TENS both make use of electrical impulses in order to relieve pain. The machine transmits electrical impulses, via electrodes placed on the skin, and the underlying tissues and nerves get stimulated. It has been shown that these impulses can stimulate the body's natural pain killers and "feel good" chemicals, such as endorphins. This can help to promote the body's natural healing process without the need for medications. The difference between IFC and TENS is the frequency and depth of penetration. IFC utilizes a higher frequency which corresponds to a more comfortable and a deeper penetration of stimulation. Also with IFC, the carryover pain relief period after treatment is longer compared to TENS.
Acupuncture and Dry Needling
Acupuncture is a method based on Traditional Chinese Medicine whereby thin needles are inserted in precise points located on the body. Disruptions of energy flow (qi) throughout the body are believed to be responsible for disease. The insertion of needles help to correct imbalances of qi throughout the body. Acupuncture also promotes natural healing by increasing blood flow and stimulating the body to produce chemicals and hormones that alter the perception of pain.
Dry needling is an effective Western approach that involves inserting a needle into an area that contains a trigger point. When an injury occurs, damaged tissue will tense and contract in a protective state, limiting its ability to heal. Insertion of a needle into a shortened muscle or active trigger point will cause it to twitch. The twitch response helps to deactivate the trigger point, reduce pain, and restore normal length and function of the involved muscle.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a specialized, hands-on approach in which physiotherapists use their hands to mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints for the purpose of modulating pain, increasing range of motion, inducing relaxation, facilitating movement, decreasing stiffness, and/or improving tissue repair. Manual therapy techniques may include joint and nerve mobilizations, myofascial and trigger point release, and muscle energy techniques. Also included are manual traction as well as therapist-facilitated stretching.
Taping
Taping techniques may be used for muscle and joint support to decrease the risk and likelihood of re-injury. Certain tapes, such as kinesiology tape, are almost identical to human skin in thickness and elasticity; this allows the tape to be worn without constricting or restricting movement. Therapeutic taping can also eliminate bruising and swelling, decrease inflammation, and stimulate the body's natural healing process by microscopically lifting the skin and facilitating lymphatic drainage.