Download Indications

Medical Equipment
For first class
By
Muna Ghadban
Therapeutic heat
 physiological effects :
1. Increase circulation to the part affected .
2. Sedative effect on sensory nerve endings .
3. Relaxation of muscle tissue ( deep heat ) .
4. Increase tissue metabolism .
5. Reduced pain .
6. Improve tissue nutrition
7. Stimulation of phagocytes .
 General effectes :
1. Fall in blood pressure .
2. Increase in heart and respiratory rate .
3. Raise in core temperature .
4. Increased activity of sweat glands .
 Precaution for all heat treatment :
1. Test skin sensation .
2. Check adequate circulation .
3. Test understanding of patient .
4. Read medical history .
 Danger to use ( contraindications ) :
1. Burns
2. Scalds
3. Syncope
4. Shock
5. Fresh bleeding
6. Neoplasm
7. Mensturation
8. Infection ( acute inflammation )
9. Loss of skin sensation
10. Metal in tissue
11. Febrile states
 Superficial heate :
Used in patient with normal skin sensation and shape , and normal circulation
. It doesn’t penetrate beyond few millimeters into the epidermis .
 There are two types of superficial heat :
A. Dry heat :
1. Light bulbs
2. Infra red radiation ( IRR )
3. Heating pads
B. Moist heat :
1. Hydro collater pack
2. Hot water
3. Paraffin bath
4. Stem cabina ( sauna )
Paraffin bath
•
•

1.
2.
3.
4.
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1.
2.
3.
4.
One of the superficial heat equipment .
Heat transmitted by conduction .
Type of techniques :
Paraffin dip
Paraffin immersion
Paraffin painting
Paraffin pouring
Preparation before treatment :
Check paraffin wax temperature
Do not use paraffin in the temperature more than 54.4 C
Use special thermometer to check temperature
Prepare sheath and plastic suit
causes of using wax instead of water :
1. Wax slowly vaporize
2. Bad conduction for electricity
3. Loss temperature very slowly so temperature
remain steady
4. For the same reason the pt. will not loss
temperature after removing limb from pool
5. Melting temperature of wax is 30 C
 Notes for the treatment :
1. Remove watches and rings from the treated area .
2. Wax temperature should be 54.4 C .
3. Skin should be clean and dry .
4. Don’t treat open wounds , scars and skin rash
5. Don’t touch the bottom of the pool .
6. The treated area ( hand and foot ) should be relaxed to
prevent cracks in wax coat .
7. Dip the organ for few seconds and the movement should
be prevented .
8. Repeat dip 6-12 times for the same depth or less .
9. Cover organ with plastic suit and towel for 20 -30 min .
 Indications :
1.
Increase range of motion of joint .
2.
Reduce pain .
3.
Muscle relaxation .
4.
Improve skin circulation .
 care in :
1.
Rheumatic disease
2.
Burns
3.
Old age
4.
Scars
5.
Scleroderma
 Contraindications :
1.
Open wound
2.
Abscess
3.
Impaired skin sensation
4.
Skin disease
5.
Vascular insufficiency
Hot packs (heating pads)
The moist hot pack is the most commonly used means of
applying the heat . The heating for moist hot packs consist of a
small stainless steal water tank equipped with a thermostatic
control that maintains packs at a constant temperature (65.4 C –
76.6 C ) .
The degree of heat applied may be controlled by increasing or
decreasing layers of towel between the skin (body) and hot wet
pack .
 Purpose of using heating pads :
Superficial heating to the treated area and the treated
part can not see so the heat transmitted by conduction .
 Preparation :
1. Towel
2. Pad
3. Check water temperature (65.4 C-76.6 C)
4. Water should be clean
5. Size of pad used must be sutabile for the treated part
6. Time of treatment (20 -30 min)
7. Pad should be wet and hot
 Indications :
1. Effective in relieving muscle spasm
2. Effective in relieving pain
3. Increase blood supply to the skin
 Contraindications :
1. Loss of sensation of the skin
2. Some skin disease
3. Presence of cardio vascular disease
4. Hemorrhage
5. Peripheral vascular disease
Infra red radiation ( IRR )
 Infrared rays are electromagnetic waves with wave length of ( 750 nm _
400, 000 nm ) , any hot body emits infrared rays , the sun , gas fires ,
electric fires ….. etc .
 Various type of IRR generator are employed in physiotherapy department .
There are two main groups . The non luminous and the luminous
generators . Non luminous generators provide infrared rays only , while
luminous generators emits visible and few ultraviolet as well as infrared .
 Technical notes :
1. When there is acute inflammation or recent injury the non
luminous generator is more effective in relieving pain .
2. For lesions of more chronic type the luminous generator is chosen
.
3. Shorter wave lengths produce greatest heating effect .
4. Depth of penetration 1_10 mm .
5. IRR obey optical laws ( reflection , refraction , and polarization ) .
6. The distance between the lamp and lamp and pt. should be
measured :
a) Between 45cm _ 50cm for the luminous one .
b) From 45cm to 60cm for the non luminous one .
 Duration and frequency of treatment :
 For acute inflammation and recent injury
( 10 _ 15 minute ) several times daily .
 For chronic condition ( 20 _30 minute ) daily
“ long exposure “ .
 Dangers of IRR :
1. Burns
2. Electrical shock
3. Gangeren
4. Headache
5. Faintness
6. Injury to the eyes
 Indications :
1. Relieve pain
2. Relax superficial muscle spasm
3. Increase superficial blood supply
 Contraindications :
1. Loss of thermal skin sensation
2. Skin disease
3. Vascular insufficiency
4. Hemorrhage
5. Some skin liniment
Ultra violet radiation (UV)
 is electromagnetic energy which is invisible to
the human eye , with wave lengths between
10nm and 400nm .
 the therapeutic part for the UV spectrum can
be devided into :
1. UVA ( 315nm _ 400nm )
2. UVB ( 280nm _ 315nm )
3. UVC ( below 280nm )
Technical notes :
1. Electromagnetic spectrum 1849 _ 3900 A
2. Depth of penetration 1.5mm
3. Application in contact 46cm _ 90cm
Dosage :
1. First session … distance 90cm, time 4 second.
2. Second session … distance 90 – 11cm ,
time 4 + 4 second .
Briefly in each next session , the distance will
decrease 11cm but time will increase 4 second .
 Physiological effects :
1. Cancer
2. Erythema
3. Pigmentation
4. Thickening of the epidermis
5. Peeling
6. Production of vitamin D
7. Solar elastosis and ageing
8. Antibiotic effect
9. Psychological effect
 Indications :
1. Acne
2. Psoriasis
3. Skin wounds
4. Improve superficial circulation
 Contraindications :
1. Hypersensitivity to sun light
2. Deep X – ray therapy (D.X.T) …..3 months after it
3. Skin disease ( eczema , SLE … etc )
4. Cancer
5. Sensitizing drugs (e.g : some antibiotics , steroids )
Ultrasonic therapy ( U.S )
 Ultrasound is a sound that occurs above the
( 17.000 _ 20.000 Hz ) limit of human hearing as such in
shares the characteristics of sound in general . Ultrasound
waves consist of alternating compression and rarefaction
, this waves requires a medium for transmission . Most
theraputic U.S occurs between ( 0.8 MHz and 1 MHz ) .
 Physiological effect :
1. Thermal effect ( un pulsed one ) .
2. Mechanical effect ( micro massage ) .
3. Biological effect .
4. Analgesia .
 Technical notes :
I.
II.
US is a form of a custic vibration .
Depth of penetration or amount of heat developed depends on :
nature of tissue , frequency and type of ultrasound ( pulsed or
continuous ) , The first one is less thermal effect than with
continues .
III. Frequency 0.8 _ 1 MHz cycle per second , wave length 1.5 cm .
IV. Pulsed beam produces mechanical effect .
V. Continues beam produces thermal effect .
VI. Application types ( direct contact , water bath and water bag on
irregular bony surfaces ) .
VII. Coupling medium and moving treatment head is necessary .
 Dosage :
1. Acute condition
initial stage with low dosage 0.25 _ 0.5 W/CM for
2_3 minutes , twice daily
2. Sub acute condition
slightly increase the intensity 0.8 W/CM for 4_5 minutes ,
daily .
3. Chronic condition
dosage used up to 2 W/CM
For 8 minutes , alternate day .
 Indications :
1.
2.
3.
4.
Recent injury and inflammation .
Remove odema ( pulsed one ) .
Scar tissue .
Relieve pain .
 Contraindications :
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Vascular condition
Acute sepsis
Tumors and T.B
Pregnancy
Radiotherapy ….six months after irradiation
Cardiac disease
Care when treating areas adjacent to eye , ear ,testes and ovaries
Sauna (stem cabinate )
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1.
2.
3.

1.
2.
3.

1.
2.
3.
4.
Stage of treatment :
First stage :
Sauna temperature 50 – 60 C .
Time of treatment 20 minute .
Shower ( moderate temperature ) for one minute .
Second stage :
Sauna temperature 55 – 65 C .
Time of treatment 10 minute .
For massage .. Cold shower ( 4 C ) used .
Third stage ( for athletics ) after excersise :
Sauna temperature 60 – 70 C
Time of treatment 10 minute .
Humidity 25 – 40 C .
Shower ( moderate temperature ) .
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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1.
2.
3.
4.
Indications :
Improve circulation
Increase sweating
Decrease body weight
For people with low blood pressure
Treatment for acne
To get long sleep
Decrease fatigue and spasm
Contraindications :
Don’t entering to sauna after eating or before ex.
People with hypertension
Blood circulation disease
Infection disease
Micro wave diathermy ( MW )
 Micro wave diathermy is irradiation of the tissue with radiations in
the shorter wierless part of the electromagnetic spectrum , with a
wave length between infra red and short wave diathermy radiation .
 Technical notes :
1. MW uses wave length of the electromagnetic spectrum.
2. Frequency 2456 MHz .
3. Wave length 12 – 25 MM .
4. Depth of penetration 3 CM .
5. Greatest heating in vascular tissues .
6. Irradiates one surface of body .
7. Heat produced in tissues by absorption of radiation and
conduction in tissue .
8. Eye protection for all treatment .
9. Dosage : up to 200 wats for 10 - 30 minute daily .
Physiological effects :
1. Increase metabolism.
2. Increase blood supply.
3. Stimulation of neural receptors in the skin or
tissue.
4. Induce muscle relaxation.
5. General rise in temperature.
6. Fall in blood pressure.
7. Increase activity of sweat glands.
 Indications :
1. Traumatic and inflammatory lesions.
2. Treatment of fibrous muscular contractures , tendonitis , and
chronic synovitis.
3. To treat tender myofibrocytic noudules and myofacial trigger
point.
 Contraindications :
1. Loss of thermal skin sensation.
2. Not used near eyes , gonads , and growing bone.
3. Hemorrhage .
4. Neoplasm and TB .
5. Metal implants .
6. Pregnancy .
7. Ischemic condition .
Short wave diathermy (SWD)
• SWD is used in medical therapy to produce local heating in tissue
through the conversion of electromagnetic energy into thermal
energy.
• Dia …….. Means through
thermo.....means temperature heat .
• SWD or radio frequency (RF) is used to penetrate deep into the
body tissues to stimulate blood flow and to heat the treated area.
•
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Technical notes:
SWD use wave length of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Frequency 27.12 MHz .
Wave length 11 M .
Depth of penetration _ full body .
Greatest heating in fat tissue .
Heat produced in tissue by dipole rotation and molecular
distortion / eddy currents .
7. It is very important to use SWD units at a safe distance
from other therapy equipment that is transistorized .
• Dosage :
Acute conditions :
1. Intensity below sensation warmth .
2. Duration 5 - 10 minute twice daily .
Chronic conditions :
1. Intensity comfortable warmth .
2. Duration 20 – 30 minute daily .
• Types of electrode :
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Flexible pads .
Discoid ( space plates ) .
Coil .
The monode .
The minode .
The diplode .
• Factors influence field distribution in SWD :
1. Spacing :
a) Normal space … even field distribution.
b) Increased space … Deep field distribution.
c) Decreased space … superficial concentration.
2. Air in cavities .
3. Metal .
4. Electrode size :
a) If small …. Line of force will be superficial .
b) If large …. Line of force will be lost in the air.
c) Ideally …. Slight larger than the area treated .
 Note : it has been suggested that for most SW sources at maximum
output , spacing of about 4cm to the maximum . conversely the
minimum skin electrode distance is about 2cm .
• Indications :
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Effect on inflammation.
Effect in bacterial infection.
Traumatic condition.
Reducing healing time.
Relief of pain.
Effect on muscle tissue.
• Contraindications:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Haemorrhage.
Venous thrombosis.
Arterial disease.
Pregnancy.
Metal in tissue.
Loss of skin sensation.
Tumors ( neoplasm ).
X _ray therapy .
T.B
Electrical stimulation of nerve
and muscle
• A current which varies sufficiently in
magnitude can stimulate a motor nerve
and so produce contraction of the muscles
which it supplies, while in the absence of a
motor nerve the muscle fibers can be
stimulated directly by a suitable current ,
intermittent current are used in both cases,
and considerable range of such currents is
available.
• The duration of the current used ranges
from 0.01 millisecond to 3 second.
• The equipment commonly provides
duration of 0.01,0.03,0.1,0.3,1.3,10,30,100
and 300 milliseconds.
• Impulses with duration of less than 10ms
may be classed as having a short duration
and are used for stimulating normal
(innervated) muscles, such impulses are
said to be of the faradic type. The repetition
rate of the impulses is greater , usually (50 –
100 time per second).
• Impulse with duration of more than 10ms
may be classed as having a long duration
and are used for stimulation of
(denervated)muscles, they are often
termed interrupted (or modified) direct
current. These impulses are repeated less
frequently than those of short duration.
Differences between positive and
negative pole
Positive pole
1. Attract oxygen
2. Acid
3. Dehydrate tissues
4. Vasoconstrictor
5. Cause ischemia
6. Stop bleeding
7. More germicidal
8. Sedative
9. Relive pain
10. Corrodes metals by oxidation
11. Repels bases, metals,
alkaloids
Negative pole
1. Attract hydrogen
2. Alkaline
3. Liquefies tissues
4. Vasodilator
5. Cause hyperemia
6. Cause bleeding
7. Less germicidal
8. Stimulant
9. Cause pain
10. Do not corrodes metals
11. Repels acid, acid radicals,
halogens
Faradic type current
 Technical notes :
1. Faradic type current is a short duration
2. Faradic type is alternating current
3. Pulse duration of 0.1 _1ms
4. Frequency 50_100hz (time per second)
5. Dosage cease when voluntary contraction a chevied
6. Time of treatment 20 minute
7. nodes should be cover with gauze and wet with salty
water
8. The active electrode (cathode –ve electrode)
9. Non active electrode placed over the arm or leg
 physiological effect :
1. Stimulation of the sensory and motor nerve
2. Effect of muscle contraction
3. Stimulation of the denervated muscle
4. Increase of muscle metabolism
5. Vasodilatation of deep and superficial blood
vessels
6. Improve venous and lymphatic drainage

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
indications :
Facilitation of muscle contraction
Re – education of muscle action
Training a new muscle action
Prevent and loosen adhesion
Hypertrophy muscle

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
contraindications:
Cardiac pacemaker
Around heart
Fracture
Scar area
Dirty skin
Interrupted direct current
(galvanic type)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Technical notes:
Galvanic type current is along duration
Pulse duration of 100ms
Frequency 30hz
Pulse shape tranqular, trapezoidal, saw tooth, square wave
Depolarized
Pulse length between 0.03ms_300ms

1.
2.
3.
4.
Physiological effect:
Contraction of the denervated muscle
Stimulation of sensory and motor nerve
Improve venous and lymphatic drainage
Chemical effects

1.
2.
3.
4.
Indications:
Stimulation of the denervated muscle
Maintain properties of muscle
Improve circulation
Prevent contractures

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Contra indications:
Cardiac pacemaker
Around heart
Fracture
Tumors
Pregnancy
epilepsy
Diadynamic currents
 Diadynamic is one of the most common devices of electro therapy ,
which uses a low current for it’s analgesic and spasmolytic effect.
 Technical notes :
1. The therapeutic effect depends on the intensity of current.
2. The required intensity depends on the size of the electrode.
3. Time of treatment reduces gradually.
4. Long period dosage cause decreasing in therapeutic effect.
5. Duration : 10 min (not more than 12 min.)
6. Frequency : daily or every other day for 12 sessions.
 Physiological effect:
1. Relief of pain.
2. Increase local circulation.
3. Decrease inflammation and swelling.
4. Muscle re-education.
 Indications:
1. Spine and joint degeneration.
2. Neuro pain treatment.
3. Vascular illness treatment.
4. Periarticular inflammation treatment.
5. Muscle atrophy.
6. Zoster healing.
 Contraindications:
Are the same in faradic and galvanic current.
 Pulsed type of diadynamic currents:
A. Diphase fix (DF): is the preferred current for pain modulation, it is
especially recommended for pain conditions of sympathetic
origin.
B. Monophasic fix (MF): it is more suitable used to elicit muscular
contraction and in generally not used for isolated pain conditions.
C. Courts periods (CP): it combines MF and DF current, it is usually
recommended for treatment of pain states associated with sprain,
strain, and contusion.
D. Longues periods (LP):it is also combines the MF and DF current, it
is recommended for providing longer lasting pain relief in acute
pain condition.
E. Rhythme syncore (RS): it generally used for muscle stimulation
application.
Transcutaneous(electrical) nerve
stimulation TENS,TNS
 TENS is the application of a pulsed rectangular wave current via
surface electrodes of the patients skin.
 Technical notes:
1. Pulse shape is usually rectangular.
2. Pulse width is measured in micro seconds(us) and is often fixed at
(100us or 200us).
3. Frequency can be as low as (2Hz) or as high as (600 Hz). A
frequency of (150Hz) is commonly used.
4. Intensity can be varied from (0 to 6) milliampers, on many units.
 Indications:
A. Analgesic effect of TENS:
• Relief of acute pain : postoperative pain , dysmenorrhoea ,
musculoskeletal pain.
• Relief of chronic pain : low back pain ,arthritis ,peripheral nerve injuries.
B. Non analgesic effect of TENS:
• Improving blood flow : improved healing of wounds and ulcers.
 Contraindications:
• Cardiac pacemaker
• Epilepsy
• Women in the first trimester of pregnancy
• Un diagnosed pain
• Heart disease
Interferential therapy
 Interferential therapy is a form of electrical
treatment in which tow medium – frequency
currents are used to produce a low frequency
effect. The principle upon which Interferential
therapy is based is that which produces the
interference effect where two medium frequency
current cross in the patient’s tissue.
 Physiological effects :
1. Relief of pain
2. Motor stimulation
3. Absorption of exudates
 Indications:
1. Advocates of the use of interference therapy see it as a
useful adjunct to other techniques such as: ice, ultra
sound, and mobilization.
2. Use in the area of sport medicine , to reduce pain and
odema.
3. Treatment of stress incontinence.
 Dangers and Contraindications:
1. A continuous application of high intensity interferential
current with high frequency and long duration pulses
could produce an electrolyte reaction below the
electrode.
2. Cardiac pacemaker.
Cold therapy
 The application of cold to the tissues after injury is a practice as old as
medicine itself. Nowadays the local temperature of the tissues may be
reduced by the application of various forms of ice or frozen gel packs.
 Physiological effects:
1. Circulatory response.
• The initial response of the skin to cooling is local vasoconstriction
• After a short period there follows a vasodilatation
• Affect the capillary blood flow
• Reduction of metabolic rate
2. Neural response
3. Reduction of pain
4. Reduction of spasticity, can be demonstrated clinically within 30 sec. of
application of ice.
5. Excitatory cold
 Techniques of applications:
1.
Ice towels
2.
Ice packs
3.
Ice immersion
4.
Ice cube massage
5.
Cold spray
 Indications (used to ) :
1.
Reduce pain
2.
Reduce spasticity
3.
Reduce muscle spasm
4.
Reduce swelling
5.
Reduce hemorrhage
6.
Improve nerve transmission
 Contraindications:
1.
Psychological
2.
Cardiac condition
3.
Peripheral nerve injury
4.
Vasospastic disease
5.
Peripheral vascular disease (gangrene)
6.
Cold sensitivity
Traction
 Traction is the process of drawing or pulling tension applied to a body segment.
 Technical notes for cervical traction:
1. Head is slight flexion (10 _30)
2. Remove the artifical dents from the mouth or spectacles or hearing aids
3. Cervical traction starting with 10 pounds and gradually increase
4. Pt. in relaxed position lying or sitting
5. If there is sever pain , nausea or dizziness, stop treatment.
6. Treatment time is usually 15 min.
 Technical notes for lumber traction:
1. Belt on chest
2. Belt below (lower back)
3. Pt. feel slight traction with no pain
4. Lumber traction starting with 25 pounds and gradually increase
5. Treatment time is 20_30 min.
 Physiological effects:
1.
Effects of spinal movement
2.
Effects on bone
3.
Effects on ligaments
4.
Effects on articular facet joint
5.
Effects on the muscular system
6.
Effects on the nerve
 Indications:
1.
Disc prolapsed
2.
Vertebral osteoarthritis
3.
High pressure on the peripheral nerve root
 Contraindications:
1.
Acute sprain
2.
Vertebral in stability
3.
Tumors
4.
Bone disease
5.
Rheumatiod arthritis (RA)
6.
High blood pressure
7.
Osteoporosis (old age)
8.
Cardiac pacemaker
9.
TB
10.
pregnancy
Hydrotherapy
•
•
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
•
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Hydrotherapy uses a fluid medium to transfer thermal and mechanical forces to tissues.
Technical notes:
Water temperature between (34 - 37C)
Water changed every (4 hours)
Chlorination (0.5 - 0.75) part per million
PH (7.2 – 8)
Check the height of water and equipment weekly
Antiseptic foot bath changed daily
Temperature of surrounding area (23 – 24C)
Humidity (50 – 60 %)
Time of treatment (20 – 30 min.)
Physiological effects :
Rise in body temperature
Increase sweating
Superficial vasodilatation
Increase in peripheral circulation
Increase in heart and respiratory rate
Fall of blood pressure after treatment
Increase metabolic rate
Analgesic effect of sensory nerve endings
Muscle relaxation
• Indications of hydrotherapy :
1. Rheumatic conditions (RA, OA, and ankylosing spondylitis
2. Joint mobilization after cast removal
3. Muscular condition (ms. Spasm)
4. Amputation to strength the stump
5. After joint operation (joint replacement, meniscectomy)
6. Wound and burn rehabilitation
7. Non weight bearing walking(hemiplegia , paraplegia)
• Contraindications :
1. Acute cardiac and respiratory conditions
2. Incontinence
3. Infected wound
4. Plaster of paris ( p.o.p)
5. Fear of water
6. Rapid fatigue
Laser
 One of the most recent treatment modalities available to physiotherapists
is that of the laser. It is an acronym from the words (light amplification
stimulation emission radiations). The infra red laser part of the beam to
penetrate quite deeply into the tissues with out producing significant
heating of the superficial layers of the skin.
 Types of laser :
1. The power laser is used for destructive or surgical purposes.
2. The Soft laser have a very superficial effect and are used for treating the
skin.
3. The Gas laser (mid laser) , this type used by physiotherapists as their
depth of penetration is sufficient to produce a biological effect on
deeper tissues without damaging them. The depth of penetration up to
30mm .
 Biological effect of laser :
1. Anti inflammatory effect by increasing W.B.C number and increasing
phagocytic activity.
2. Vasodilatation of capillaries and arterioles.
3. Analgesic activity by increasing pain threshold and by increasing activity
of sodium, potassium pumping.
 Indications :
1. Post traumatic
2. Pain treatment
3. Neurological disorder
4. Injuries ( ligaments & tendon tears , contusions, subluxation and post
dislocation ).
5. Inflammatory ( tendonitis, bursitis, myositis, synovitis and rheumatoid
arthritis).
6. Degenerative ( osteo arthritis).
 Contraindications uses of laser :
1. Never treat area near eye
2. Pregnancy
3. Tumors
4. Infection
5. Thrombosis
6. Area of impaired sensation and ciculation
7. Hemorrhage
8. Epilepsy
9. Adenocystic disease
10. Deep x-ray therapy
Magnetic therapy
o Technical notes:
1. Frequency from (25hz) to (600hz) with a varying number of intermediate steps.
2. Pulse width (20 us is the shortest) , (40 ms is the longest)
Note : us … one million of a second
ms … one thousand of a second
One of the more popular units however has one fixed pulsed width of
( 65 us).
3. Power / depth of penetration on some units has to be controlled by
adjustment of the frequency and on pulse width. On others power controls exist
which can vary the out put for each pulse from :
(293 watts) …….. Penetration one inch
(973 watts) ……. Penetration six inches
o Indications uses of magnetic therapy:
1. Musculoskeletal injuries
2. Trauma & contusion
3. Rheumatic disease
4. Psoriasis
5. Bed sores
o Contraindications:
1. Cardiac pacemaker
2. Thrombosis
3. Hemorrhage
4. Diabetic
5. Metal in tissues
6. Pregnant women
Mechanical devices
 Tilt table:
Used to :
1. Early mobilization
2. Transport of patient difficult to move
3. Active training
4. Extended stretching of weak muscles of leg
5. Overload for circulation by increase tilt.
 Exercise stairs:
Used for rehabilitation of the lower limb such as in cases of hemiplegia,
ataxia, cerebral palsy, and poliomyelitis.
 Sand bag:
Used to assist in stretching and rehabilitation ex.
 Pulleys apparatus:
Used for patient with weakness of upper and lower limbs.
 Shoulder wheel:
Used for full range of motion (ROM) for shoulder joint
( frozen shoulder).
 Rowing machine:
Used to strengthening all trunk muscles , upper & lower limb.
 Quadriceps bench:
Used to maintain full ROM for knee & elbow joint
and strength thigh and upper arm muscles.
 Treadmill:
Used to lower limb injuries , weight reduction,
and pt. with cardiac problem.
 Cycle exercise (stationary bicycle):
Used to lower limb injury , weight reduction and pt. with cardiac problem.
 Parallel bar (walking bar):
Used to :
1. Hemiplegic pt.
2. Lower limb paralysis with orthosis
3. Lower limb amputation
4. Before using crutches
 Wall bar :
Used for doing all body exercises.
 Balance boards and disc:
Used to build balance and coordination.
Medical Equipment
BY
Muna Ghadban