Which type of therapy uses heat, cold, or ultrasound for spinal treatment?

The use of heat, cold, or ultrasound to facilitate healing and reduce pain is primarily categorized as modalities in physical therapy. This type of therapy focuses on various physical agents to promote recovery, alleviate discomfort, and improve functionality in patients with spinal issues or other musculoskeletal conditions.

Physical therapy modalities are essential for managing pain and inflammation. Heat can increase blood flow and relax muscles, while cold applications can reduce swelling and numb pain. Ultrasound therapy utilizes sound waves to promote tissue healing and reduce pain by driving therapeutics deeper into tissues or aiding in tissue repair through thermal and non-thermal effects.

In contrast, chiropractic adjustments specifically focus on manipulating the spine to correct alignment issues, and while they may complement modality therapies, they don’t primarily use heat, cold, or ultrasound as their main treatment approach. Occupational therapy is more centered on helping individuals improve daily living and work skills, which may involve functional exercises rather than direct modalities. Massage therapy primarily involves soft tissue manipulation and doesn’t typically employ modalities like ultrasound or far-reaching heat/cold therapies as part of its core practices, although some techniques or adjunct therapies may sometimes involve them.