Definition of Physical Media

One of the main therapeutic tools used in physiotherapy are the so-called physical media or physical therapeutic agents.

These techniques are based on the use of the Energy produced by heat, cold, vibrations Water or light to rehabilitate injuries. This practice dates from ancient Greece, where Hippocrates established the relationship between the disease and the environment in which the individual was, being able to show how the use of some elements of the environment physical like him weather, the sun and water could positively affect the relief of various disorders Of the health.

Main physical media

Hot. The use of heat is of great help when seeking to relax a muscle that is contracted, as well as a structure in which a long-standing inflammatory process develops. Heat can be applied either wet, using hot compresses, or dry, as is the case with the heat obtained with an infrared lamp. Moist heat has the property of penetrating deeper into tissues, dry heat for its part is used when renovating structures who underwent surgery and the wound has not yet been completely closed, since in these cases moistening it could promote growth from

bacteria with which an infection can occur.

Cold. The cold is a great ally when it comes to treating various types of injuries, especially pain and inflammation due to recent trauma or injuries. Cold is also often used at the end of a rehabilitation session in which mobilizations or exercises have been carried out. In some forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, it is often recommended to apply cold after using the joint, which helps relieve pain.

Electricity. Electricity has been used for many years to relieve muscle pain, electrotherapy allows muscles to relax and block the transmission of pain signals by a depolarization mechanism of nerve cells, it is something like "resetting" the nerves that carry the pain signal to the brain.

Ultrasound. Ultrasound is a form of deep heat that is delivered by special equipment. This heat is caused by vibrations that propagate in the tissues in the form of waves when they come into contact with the head of the equipment. Ultrasound is used to decrease inflammation, relieve pain, and even to stimulate the regeneration of injured tissues.

Laser rays. One of the last physical means to join the therapeutic arsenal was laser rays, this type of light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a single direction, a single wavelength that also has very little divergence so the beam does not open or spread as light does normal. These properties make it possible to emit a ray to a well-defined area, quickly providing a large amount of energy without affecting adjacent tissues or structures. In addition, the laser has the advantage that it can be used on injured tissues without the disadvantage of surgical instruments that must be sterilized in order to be used. previously.

Photos: Fotolia - Jacob Lund / Microgen

Topics in Physical Media