Laboratory Manual to Accompany Therapeutic Modalities in Sports Medicine, 3d ed.

This manual is a laboratory guide designed to accompany the text Therapeutic Modalities in Sports Medicine, ed 3, by William E Prentice. The purpose of this manual is to provide a structured, systematic approach to the application of a variety of physical agents. The primary focus of the manual is to provide students with methodological strategies to follow when practicing the skills necessary for the safe application of physical agents, and provide a format for instructors to determine and document competencies in these skills.

The manual provides instructions and competency checklists for a variety of physical agents that are currently used in physical rehabilitation, including electrical stimulation, biofeedback, superficial and deep heat modalities, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, traction, intermittent compression, and massage. Each physical agent includes a section consisting of brief statements on the physiological effects, indications, and contraindications associated with its clinical use. This information not intended to provide the reader with the scientific background and specific application parameters of each agent, but to supplement the information that is included in the companion text.

Each agent also contains a checklist outlining the appropriate steps to be taken when applying the physical agent. These steps lead the reader through a sequential system of clinical application. The checklists contain consistent criteria among the modalities that appropriately emphasize factors such as patient positioning, therapist communication, safety precautions, and evaluating treatment efficacy. This consistent format reinforces the learning process and simplifies the recording for the instructor. In addition to the checklists, each section effectively uses line drawings of equipment and patient setups for added clarification. Several tables are also included for quick reference of clinical indications and contraindications, and to outline a clinical decision-making model.

The manual provides a thorough, well-organized procedure to follow in learning the application of therapeutic modalities used in physical rehabilitation. It does not include any patient simulations, case studies, or specific laboratory experiences, but does offer instructors involved in teaching the clinical application of physical agents a process for systematically measuring the competencies of student performance.

Barbara C Belyea, PT Ithaca College Ithaca, NY

Ms Belyea is a clinical assistant professor in the physical therapy program and has extensive clinical experience in the application of therapeutic modalities when treating a variety of patients with neuromuscular disorders. She also teaches a physical agents course.