Synopsis: 06

USE OF ELECTRO PHYSICAL AGENTS IN PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE – WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS?

Dr. Narasimman Swaminathan

Vice Principal, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences

Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Electro Physical Agent (EPA) is defined “as the use of electro physical and biophysical energies for the purposes of evaluation, treatment, and prevention of impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions”. EPAs are classified as Electrical stimulation agents, thermal and non-thermal agents. They are widely used by therapists in pain management and to promote tissue healing. It is important for therapists to understand neurophysiology of pain and pathophysiology of tissue healing to select and administer EPA effectively. Aims, contraindications and precaution, efficacy of EPA and cost are the common factors which directs selection and application of EPA. Among various EPAs therapeutic ultrasound is widely used in India as a preferred mode in soft tissue injury management. The objective of this lecture is to discuss the current status of EPA (Therapeutic Ultrasound) usage in clinical practice based on available evidence.