Radiant heat lamps, electric heating pads, diathermy, hydrotherapy, and paraffin baths are used to apply heat. Heat relieves pain, improves circulation, and relaxes muscles. Cold, when used soon after injury, lessens pain, hemorrhage, and swelling. Ultraviolet radiation attacks germs and promotes healing of certain skin disorders. Ultrasound is used to treat inflammatory conditions of the joints, muscles, and nerves, and painful amputation stumps.
Exercise helps to maintain and improve body function and posture.
It increases muscle tone, strength, and endurance. Some exercises can be performed by the patient alone. For others, the patient might need the help of the therapist. Often mechanical devices, such as parallel bars, stationary bicycles, pulleys, weights, and dumbbells, are used. Self-help devices such as splints, braces, crutches, and wheelchairs help disabled people perform daily activities.