Physical Therapy: Biophysical Agents

Biophysical agents consist of a broad group of modalities such as: electrical stimulation, light therapy, ultrasound, iontophoresis, etc., which use various forms of energy in order to:

• Assist muscle force generation and contraction
• Decrease unwanted muscular activity
• Increase the rate of healing of open wounds and soft tissue
• Maintain strength after injury or surgery
• Modulate or reduce pain, reduce swelling, improve circulation, decrease inflammation, connective tissue extensibility, or restriction that may accompany musculoskeletal injury or circulatory dysfunction
• Increase joint mobility
• Increase muscle and neuromuscular performance
• Increase tissue perfusion
• Remodel scar tissue
• Treat skin conditions

Physical therapists make use of biophysical agents when indicted to reduce risk factors and complications, enhance health, wellness, or fitness, enhance or maintain physical performance, prevent impairments in body function and structure, remediate activity limitations, and remove participation restriction.