The Perceived Values of Physical Agents by Physical Therapists and Physiatrists

Abstract

Physical agents can be beneficial to patients as treatment in themselves or as adjuncts to other management. The opinions of physical therapists and physiatrists regarding the values of physical agents are not known. The purpose of the study is to investigate the perceived effects of various modalities by physical therapists and physiatrists. The most effective modalities chosen for specific condition by both specialties were also surveyed. One hundred and seventy-eight physical therapists and 66 physiatrists were surveyed. The survey questionnaires were distributed by mail. The questionnaires contained respondent's general information, and specific opinions on 18 different physical modalities including cryotherapy, active exercise, passive exercise, interferential current, laser, magnetotherapy, shortwave, microwave, traction, ultrasound, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, ultraviolet, infrared, hydrotherapy, hot pack, paraffin, high voltage pulsed stimulation, and iontophoresis. More than one half (53.9%) of the physical therapists perceived that interferential current could improve wound healing, yet, less than 20 percent of physiatrists perceived the same way (p＜.05). The difference on the effect of interferential current for decreasing edema had also been noted between physiatrists and physical therapists (p＜.0l). Twenty-one percent of physical therapists thought magneto-therapy is effective in increasing tissue extensibility, but none of the physiastrists did (p＜.05). More physiatrists perceived that microwave diathermy, infrared, hydrotherapy, hot pack and paraffin are effective in decreasing inflammation, compared with physical therapists (p＜.05). However, more physical therapists thought that infrared is effective in increasing tissue extensibility, and that high voltage pulsed stimulation is more effective in promoting wound healing (p＜.05). There were significant differences in the perceived benefits of these modalities between physical therapists and physiastrists. Our findings suggest that further education and a closer interaction for both specialties are essential to ensure that the patient receives the best available and most cost-effective treatment.