Like any other health professions, physical therapy has also moved from quantity-based care to quality-based care. Technological advancement in physiotherapy has improved the standard for delivering services to the patients. The delivery of these services via the Hi-Tech modalities is highly customizable and easily accessible at well-established clinics. The use of new technology devices in rehabilitation has led to reduced disability, closer discharge to prior injury status, better patient compliance and safety, and early return to ADL's (activities of daily life). In this blog, we will be emphasizing and throwing some light on the advanced technologies that are being utilized in the Physical Therapy clinics especially at our Clinics to improve the patient’s outcomes, with conditions ranging from Sports injury to Neurological impairment to Cardiac rehabilitation. Mentioned below are some hi-tech machines which are a part of advanced physiotherapy.
Electrotherapy (combo of TENS, IFT, Ultrasound):
The Hi-Technology electrotherapy combo machines are FDA cleared and the unit may comprise of a combination of TENS, interferential, and ultrasound. By using a combo unit one can save time and space whereas it is also beneficial for the patient because he/she can avail multiple services at the same time and at the same place. And most important these machines impart condition-specific treatment which gives tremendous results. TENS and IFT are indicated to be used for symptomatic relief and management of chronic pain and can also be given as an adjunctive treatment for post-surgical acute pain and post-traumatic, providing an appropriate program for the specific condition.
New technology Ultrasound device provides effective Continuous and Pulsed treatments in muscle rehabilitation and pain relief. The frequencies of 1 & 3 MHz are delivered through a unique ultrasound applicator. The effect of ultrasound decreases pain, increases the local blood flow which reduces local swelling, chronic inflammation and promotes bone fracture healing. Ultrasound therapy is indicated for pain relief, reduction of muscle spasms, an increase of blood flow, increase range of motion of contracted joints using heat and stretched techniques.
Electrical Muscle Stimulator – Ems Russian Stimulation & Galvanic:
FDA cleared electrical muscle stimulators are safe to use machines. They can be used to increase range of motion, decrease muscle spasms, increase local blood circulation, and muscle atrophy. It can be also used for the re-education of muscles immediately after the post-surgical stimulation of calf muscles to prevent venous thrombosis and for treating other medical conditions which usually result from a serious injury, major surgery, or stroke. These Hi-Tech machines improve patient engagement which in turn can lead to improved results.
Advanced technology Laser devices are FDA approved. Its applied protection and unique design concepts ensure patients' safety during the treatment sessions. The effectiveness of this therapy for the appropriate wavelengths has been checked and approved. It has wavelengths ranging from 650 nm to 1200 nm, treating large surfaces as well as smaller surfaces due to the variety of applicators available. The device software allows performing the Self-Test procedure each time it is turned on. After the Self-Test is done, the display shows the information regarding the readiness for operation. Advanced technology laser has built-in treatment programs in the machine encyclopedia created to optimally suit the diseases of patients undergoing treatment. The conditions are present in the device's memory which can be searched by the name of the appropriate disease entity or use a division into fields such as orthopedics, rheumatology, neurology, dermatology, and sports injury. In these devices, the therapist can also create and save their own treatment programs. The device also has predefined laser functions offering acupuncture programs.
Hi-tech shockwave therapy device enables effective treatment of chronic pain associated with inflammation and degeneration of tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, muscles, and bones, ensures comprehensive therapy for chronic calcification processes. It is used in the treatment of trigger points, which can generate radiating pain-causing increased tension. Advanced Shockwave therapy is a completely safe, and extremely effective treatment used for rehabilitation, orthopedics, and sports. It can effectively treat trigger points, larger joints and is also used for muscle stimulation. The Hi-Tech machine's operation is convenient and simple having an inbuilt encyclopedia describing the method of performing the procedure, displayed on a large, colorful screen. Treatment programs can be selected by using the anatomical mode or the list of conditions. Experienced physiotherapists can choose the operation by selecting the parameters manually. The treatment with the help of such devices helps to achieve excellent results, and an optional transmitter dedicated to a wide variety of conditions expands the range of treatments that a physiotherapy center may offer to its patients.
The efficacy and safety of these new technologies help to guide clinical necessity and appropriate application. These new FDA-cleared devices have been extremely successful in the physiotherapy field by gaining patient satisfaction and support.