Biophysical Agents

Catalog description

This course is designed to introduce the students to the scientific and clinical principles involved in the use of biophysical agents (modalities) in patient assessment and treatment. The course focuses on thermal, light, sound, electrophysiological, and mechanical agents used by physical therapists to treat patients. Students also explore the physics, physiology, and clinical aspects of commonly used modalities. The goals of this course are for the student to understand indications and contraindications and theoretical and scientific background information for each modality as well as be exposed to current scientific evidence concerning each modality. The overarching goal of this course is for the student to develop the knowledge and skills to be able to select, and safely and effectively apply the above modalities to patients under the guidance of clinical instructors, during clinical education experiences where modality use is consistent with the practice setting.