Low Level Laser is effective in reducing pain and swelling and stimulating release of neurotransmission chemicals that travel along nerves to stimulate muscle contraction. Generally used in the post acute stage (after 48 hours) of an injury or surgical procedure.

Electrical Stimulation is effective in promoting healing by decreasing pain and swelling, and increasing circulation and neuromuscular stimulation thereby promoting faster healing to increase range of motion and strength. Generally used in the post acute stage (after 48 hours) of an injury or surgical procedure, however, may be employed with cold in the acute stage to control swelling.

Superficial moist heat is effective in increasing circulation (vasodilation of blood vessels) thereby promoting an influx of circulation and soothing low level discomfort. Heat prepares soft tissue and joints for manual and massage techniques, range of motion, and strengthening exercises. Generally used prior to rehabilitation therapy massage, manipulation, stretching and strengthening exercises. Heat should not be employed in the first 48 hours (acute stage) after an injury or surgical procedure.

Cold is effective in controlling pain and swelling by decreasing circulation (vasoconstriction of blood vessels) thereby limiting a new influx of circulation to the injured area. Generally used within the first 48 hours (acute stage) after an injury and after rehabilitation therapy sessions (post acute stage after 48 hours).

Iontophoresis is a type of electrical stimulation employing medication that is driven into the injured structure by the electrical DC current instead of local injection thereby eliminating the soft tissue trauma, pain and systemic uptake caused by an injection. Generally used in the post acute stage (after 48 hours) of an injury or surgical procedure to control pain and swelling.

Massage is effective in increasing circulation, moving swelling, and controlling pain in the post acute stage (after 48 hours) following an injury or surgical procedure. Generally different types of massage may be employed after the injured soft tissue structures have been warmed, prior to stretching and strengthening exercises. Occasionally, ice massage is done in the first 48 hours (acute stage) after an injury or after 48 hours (post acute stage) at the end of a rehabilitation therapy session to control pain and swelling.

Manual therapy techniques are employed after the injured joint structures have been warmed, massaged and stimulated, and help to mobilize or stabilize them. Generally employed in the post acute phase after 48 hours after and injury or surgical procedure.

Paraffin is effective in increasing circulation (vasodilation of blood vessels) thereby promoting an influx of circulation and soothing low level discomfort. Paraffin prepares soft tissue and joints for manual and massage techniques and range of motion and strengthening exercises. Most commonly used with skin conditioners in arthritis or with hand injuries.

Therapeutic activities are skilled techniques employed such as bed mobility, transfer, weight bearing and gait training along with balance, coordination, proprioception, agilities and activities of daily living (ADL's)

Therapeutic exercises are employed to increase flexibility, endurance and strength of an injured muscle, ligament, or joint or for neurologic rehabilitation to regain movements required for functional mobility or activities. Stretching exercises are employed to increase flexibility of a joint or muscle while isometric (static) and isotonic (dynamic) exercises stengthen and stabilize muscles and joints. Endurance exercise increases the stamina or aerobic capacity of the musculoskeletal system while decreasing fatigue by stimulating the cardiovascular system as a whole to improve its function.

Ultrasound is effective in promoting healing by providing deep heat and increasing circulation and micromassage to deeper muscle and soft tissue structures. Generally used in the post acute stage (after 48 hours) of an injury or surgical procedure to prepare deeper tissues for manual techniques, range of motion and strengthening exercises and to decrease pain and spasm.