Course Code: REL-RTS-0-UHBMR
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2029
Learning Objectives:
Identify at least two indications for the use of each modality: ultrasound, paraffin, and diathermy.
Identify how each modality creates thermal effects or non-thermal effects in the body and how these effects support participation in ADLs and IADLs.
Recall the steps for safe application and at least two precautions or contraindications for each modality.
Outline:
Section 1: Overview of Heat Modalities
Heat-Based Modalities in Rehabilitation
Why This Matters
Mechanisms of Heat Transfer
Clinical Assessment
Precautions and Contraindications
Treatment Session
Preparing the Patient
Positioning
Monitoring and Completion
Documentation Considerations
Sample SOAP Note
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Ultrasound
Ultrasound Overview
Effects of US
How It Works
Precautions and Contraindications
Treatment Parameters
Frequency
Duty Cycle
Intensity
Duration
Application
Coupling Medium
Treatment Frequency and Duration
Clinical Use and Evidence Summary
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Knee Osteoarthritis (Knee OA)
Mixed Evidence
Knowledge Check
Case 1
Case 2
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Diathermy
Diathermy Overview
Effects of Diathermy
How It Works
Precautions and Contraindications
Treatment Parameters
Application
Preparation and Safe Use
Capacitive SWD Setup
Inductive SWD Setup
Clinical Use and Evidence Summary
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Paraffin
Paraffin Overview
Effects of Paraffin
How It Works
Contraindications
Application
Application Methods
Most Appropriate Clinical Presentations
Knowledge Check
Case 1
Case 2
Key Takeaways
Section 5: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Information
Course Contributors
Resources
ReferencesSubject Matter Expert: John Adamson Jr., PT, MDiv
John Adamson, PT, MDiv, earned his Bachelors of Science degree in physical therapy from Northeastern University in 1991 and his Masters of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2006. From 2015 to 2025, he held a Geriatric Clinical Specialist certification from the American Physical Therapy Association. Since 2009, John has served in clinical, operational, and compliance roles for large rehabilitation companies. He currently works as a Patient Coordinator/Clinical Navigator in a company that assists patients in achieving access to pharmaceutical, biological, and medical device treatments. He is the author and presenter of multiple courses covering the topics of documentation compliance, ethics, and older adult treatment approaches. He specializes in writing letters of medical necessity and appeals for therapy and medical interventions, utilizing an approach incorporating evidence-based practice, ethical standards, and insurers' social and governance value statements. He resides in Virginia with his wife Traci and their 12 children, 6 of whom are adopted from Ukraine.
Writer: Susan Almon-Matangos, MS, CCC-SLP
Susan Almon-Matangos, MS, CCC-SLP, is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist with over 40 years of experience. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Jacksonville State University and her Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology from The University of Alabama. She has provided care to clients across the lifespan with diverse diagnostic conditions in settings including school, hospital, skilled nursing facility, outpatient clinic, and home health settings. In her previous role as a national clinical director for a contract therapy company, she developed training programs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology focusing on clinical rehabilitation needs of older adults in post-acute care. Currently, she serves as the Lead Subject Matter Expert Writer for Speech-Language Pathology at Relias, where she leverages her clinical expertise and analysis of published research. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Entry level Physical Therapist; Entry level Physical Therapist Assistant; Introductory level Occupational Therapist; Introductory level Occupational Therapy Assistant; in the following settings: Assisted Living Facility, Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORFs), Home Health Agencies, Rehabilitation Settings, Skilled Nursing Facility.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.