What term describes energy and materials applied to patients to assist in their rehabilitation?

• A. Physical agent modalities
• B. Therapeutic exercises
• C. Surgical interventions
• D. Pharmacological treatments

Answer: (A)

Physical agent modalities describe the energy forms and materials applied to patients to assist in rehabilitation. This includes things like heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, traction, laser, and various topical or mechanical materials used to influence healing, reduce pain, manage edema, or increase tissue extensibility and range of motion. The key idea is that these are passive interventions applied by the clinician to modify tissue function, rather than the patient performing exercises, undergoing surgery, or taking medications. Therapeutic exercises involve active movement by the patient, surgical interventions are procedures, and pharmacological treatments use drugs.