Therapy
How do I set up ice, moist heat, traction, muscle stim, ultrasound, or massage?
Organization ApprovedSource Verified
Summary
Each modality has an approved explanation script for the patient and a setup procedure. Provide only what the Doctor ordered on the Travel Card.
- 1Ice: reduces tissue temperature, constricts blood vessels, numbs painful areas, and relaxes muscle spasm; most often used for acute injuries or recent eruptions of chronic conditions, applied several times a day in the initial stages. Script: “Cold applied to the surface of the skin.”
- 2Ice home use: freeze the pack, place a thin towel/t-shirt/pillowcase over the treatment area, place the frozen pack on top, and leave 20 minutes; remove and refreeze 30 minutes. The 20-on/30-off cycle may repeat 2 more times (3 cycles total) before stopping for at least an hour — always based on the Doctor's recommendations.
- 3Moist heat: raises soft tissue temperature, enlarges blood vessels, relaxes tissue, and temporarily relieves pain; usually recommended for muscle spasm relaxation and chronic pain/tightness, and is helpful before or after adjustments. Script: “Heat applied to the surface of the skin.”
- 4Intersegmental traction: the patient lies face up on a bench-style table with roller cams that slowly travel the length of the spine, stretching spinal joints and introducing passive motion to restore elasticity and fluid circulation. Script: “A passive motion into the spine.”
- 5Interferential muscle stimulation: tiny electrical impulses intersect below the skin, prompting the body to secrete endorphins for pain relief. Wipe the area with an alcohol prep pad before placing electrodes for better adherence and longer electrode life. Script: “Electrical impulses which are induced into the tissue to relieve pain.”
- 6Ultrasound: high-frequency sound waves penetrate deep tissue, creating a heat response that helps break down calcium/hard tissue accumulations; gel conducts the sound waves and may feel momentarily cool. Script: “Sound waves that penetrate the tissue deep in the body creating a healing heat response.”
- 7Massage: pressure, tension, motion, or vibration applied manually or with mechanical aids to promote relaxation and treat musculature problems. Script: “Application of pressure, kneading or movement to muscle tissue for therapeutic purposes.”
Citation
CA Manual, Ice; Moist Heat; Intersegmental Traction; Interferential Muscle Stimulation; Ultrasound; Massage Therapy, p. Therapy · Revised 2/9/26Answers source the CA Manual first; the Medisoft guide is used only where the CA Manual does not cover the task.