Electrotherapy/Hot-Cold Therapy

Ultrasound and other electrotherapeutic modalities can be used to good effect in the area of tissue healing and pain relief. It is suggested that the application of ultrasound to injured tissues will, amongst other things, speed the rate of healing and enhance the quality of the repair. Within the profession this subject sometimes generates lively discussion but the patient response is usually very positive when these techniques are used alongside manual techniques and exercise therapy. The use of heat for very painful conditions and ice for acute injury is now well established (see dealing with an acute sports injury in Treatment Room).