Modalities

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Physical therapy is made up of a series of modalities used to help improve range of motion and reduce pain in different areas of the body. Specifically, physical therapy modalities target inflammation and stiffness within the musculoskeletal system, and they focus on strengthening and stretching the muscles to help relieve pressure on the joints.

One of the main types of physical therapy is manual therapy, which is a series of hands-on manipulation techniques targeted at joint pain and muscle stiffness. You can learn more about these techniques on our manual therapy page.

In this page, we will walk you through the other types of physical therapy modalities, conditions they are used to treat, and the benefits of each.

Contents

Types of Physical Therapy Modalities

There are several types of physical therapy modalities that aim to reduce pain and inflammation in the body and improve range of motion and mobility. In many cases, these modalities are used in combination with each other to increase a person’s overall recovery.

Some of the most common physical therapy modalities include:

Exercise — There are two types of exercise for physical therapy: passive and active. During passive exercise, the patient relaxes while the physical therapist applies stress to the muscles. An example of this is a hamstring stretch where the patient lies on their back and the physical therapist lifts the leg to apply stress and stretch the hamstring muscle in the back of the leg. Active exercise is when the patient applies the stress to the muscles themselves. This is accomplished through certain strength training exercises, typically with the purpose to improve muscle strength in the affected area to relieve pressure on a compressed nerve or a damaged joint. An example of this would be core exercises to reduce pressure on a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine.
Ultrasound — An ultrasound is a type of treatment that allows heat waves from the ultrasound wand to be directly absorbed into the skin. This type of physical therapy modality is typically used for muscle strains and ligament sprains, as well as for tendinitis.
Electrical stimulation and TENS — TENS (transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation) and electrical stimulation are two types of physical therapy modalities that are used to address tissue injuries.
Traction — Traction is a type of mechanically assisted stretch, often used to help provide length to the neck or back. This type of modality is commonly used to reduce the pressure on a pinched nerve within the cervical or lumbar spine. During the process, you will be asked to sit or stand against a traction machine that helps facilitate a stretch along different areas of your spine.
Kinesiology taping — Kinesiology taping is a specific type of taping strategy that is used to help support the muscles surrounding a weakened joint, as well as improve circulation, reduce bruising and relieve inflammation in the area. It is often used between therapy sessions for athletes to help improve functionality to the damaged area of the body.

These physical therapy modalities are often combined to create a personalized treatment plan for a patient, depending on their specific condition and recovery goals.

Conditions Treated by Physical Therapy Modalities

Physical therapy modalities can be used to treat any number of musculoskeletal conditions. Some of the most common conditions treated by physical therapy include:

Arthritis
Joint and muscle pain
Strains and sprains
Concussions
Balance and vestibular issues
Gait issues
Limited range of motion
Golfer’s elbow/tennis elbow
Foot and ankle pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tendinitis

This list is not exhaustive of all the conditions that can be treated with physical therapy, but it’s a good start. Typically anything that affects the muscles, joints or bones of the body can be treated with a series of physical therapy modalities.

Benefits of Physical Therapy Modalities

The most obvious benefits of physical therapy modalities are a decrease in pain and an increase in mobility. Specific benefits of seeking this type of treatment include:

Increased range of motion
Decreased inflammation in the joints
Improved mobility within the spine
Fewer aches and pains in the muscles and joints
Improved strength and stability

The biggest benefit of seeking physical therapy modalities early on when you first recognize that your pain may be more chronic than temporary is that it is proven to reduce the risk of future surgery. The goal of physical therapy isn’t just to fix your current condition; it’s to help improve your overall musculoskeletal composition to reduce your risk of future injuries.

Scheduling an appointment with a physical therapist is one of the best things you can do to address your chronic pain before it really starts affecting your quality of life.

Schedule an Appointment

If you’re ready to schedule an appointment for physical therapy, contact our team at Lattimore Physical Therapy today. We have locations throughout upstate New York; visit our locations page to find a clinic near you. Our team typically gets back to patients within 24 to 48 hours of initial contact. Let us help you find relief from your chronic pain, so you can get back to the lifestyle you enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a health care profession that involves evaluating, diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The goal of physical therapy is to focus on movement in order to restore function, minimize pain and improve an individual’s quality of life. Physical therapists often utilize treatment modalities such as therapeutic exercise, soft tissue mobilization, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and other treatments to help achieve these goals.

Do I Need a Referral?

The state of New York has “direct access” to physical therapy, which means that patients are not legally required to have a physician’s referral to see a physical therapist. However, some insurances may require patients to have a referral or authorization before they will approve payment. Be sure to contact your insurance company beforehand and determine the process that they require.

It’s important to know that if you are under the care of a physician and require physical therapy treatment, you have the freedom to choose your own physical therapy clinic.

Do You Accept My Insurance?

We accept most major insurance coverages. Some of those we accept include Tricare, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna and workers’ compensation. If you don’t see your insurance company listed above, reach out to us and we’ll let you know if we accept yours. At the time of scheduling your first appointment, we request that you provide us your insurance information so that we may verify your benefits and coverage.

How Can I Pay for Treatment?

We accept payment via cash, check, flex spending card, and debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard and Discover). Payment is expected at the time of treatment and typically required during check-in. If you have insurance coverage, there may be a deductible or copay required.

Before your first visit, we will contact your insurance company to verify your benefits for physical therapy. Some insurance providers have restrictions on specific treatments. As a courtesy, Lattimore Physical Therapy files with your primary insurance as well as any secondary coverage. You will be billed for any cost share (if applicable) after your insurance has paid their portion.

What Should I Expect During My First Visit?

During your initial visit, your physical therapist will provide you with a thorough 45-minute to one-hour evaluation in a private room. Please be prepared to discuss your needs, your pain, and any lack of mobility or function that you currently have. This evaluation will involve certain range-of-motion, postural and strength tests to help your physical therapist develop a plan unique to you and your condition.Treatment for your injury will begin on the day of your initial visit.

How Should I Dress?

You should wear loose-fitting clothing during each session with us. Loose-fitting clothing helps us access and move the areas of the body that are being treated. If you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice. For low back problems, a loose-fitting shirt and pants are the best go-tos.

Do I Need to Bring Any MRIs or X-rays That I Have?

Please bring any relevant MRI or X-ray interpretation reports from your physician’s office. However, since X-rays and MRIs aren’t always the most telling, your physical therapist will want to also take into account your medical history and other physical tests and measures. Their goal is to perform an evaluation as best they can using a thorough series of processes.

How Many Visits Will I Need?

The number of visits necessary to complete treatment varies from patient to patient. Some patients only undergo a couple of sessions, while others need several months of care. It most often depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairment(s), your past medical history and other similar factors. You will also be reevaluated on a monthly basis. Each time you visit your doctor, we will provide you with a progress report with our professional recommendations.

Can I Bring My Child With Me to My Appointments?

Yes! Our policy allows for children to accompany their parents during appointments.

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