Therapeutic Modalities at OrthoRehab Specialists

At OrthoRehab Specialists, we offer a variety of advanced therapeutic modalities to enhance healing, reduce pain, and accelerate recovery. These tools complement our hands-on physical therapy and exercise-based programs, providing targeted support for musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Below are some of the most effective and widely used modalities available at our Edina and Minneapolis clinics.

Laser Therapy

The Multi-Radiance Super Pulsed Cold Laser is an FDA-approved device that delivers targeted light energy deep into tissue to stimulate cellular activity. By altering molecules at the cellular level, this treatment accelerates healing and tissue regeneration, improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and decreases both acute and chronic pain. Patients dealing with soft tissue injuries, joint inflammation, or post-surgical recovery may benefit significantly from this modality. It is painless, quick, and often results in noticeable improvements within just a few sessions.

Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to penetrate deep into muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is especially effective for enhancing connective tissue extensibility, managing scar tissue, and improving healing in chronic tendon injuries. This non-invasive treatment helps break down adhesions and promotes smoother tissue remodeling, often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries. When combined with stretching and strengthening exercises, ultrasound can significantly improve flexibility and mobility over time.

GameReady Cryocompression

The GameReady system integrates cold therapy and compression to reduce inflammation, minimize swelling, and relieve pain. With its adjustable sleeves for different body parts, GameReady promotes vasoconstriction to limit blood flow and control edema. It is commonly used post-operatively and for acute joint inflammation, muscle soreness, and sports injuries. Many athletes and post-surgical patients report improved comfort and faster return to function when GameReady is part of their recovery protocol. It is especially helpful in the early stages of healing, where swelling control is critical.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is a technique that uses a small electrical current to deliver medication directly through the skin. Unlike oral medication, which travels systemically through the body, iontophoresis targets specific areas with higher accuracy. One commonly used drug is dexamethasone, a corticosteroid that helps reduce localized inflammation and pain. This method is beneficial for patients who may not tolerate oral anti-inflammatories well or require focused treatment in areas like the elbow, wrist, or Achilles tendon. It is an excellent choice for patients seeking targeted treatment without the side effects associated with systemic medications.

Mechanical Traction

Mechanical traction involves gently stretching the spine to reduce compression on discs, nerves, and joints. It is often prescribed for patients with disc herniations, spinal stenosis, or chronic low back and neck pain. By separating the vertebrae, traction can alleviate nerve pressure, decrease pain, and improve spinal mobility. It is a useful adjunct to manual therapy and exercise for spine rehabilitation. Visit our Physical Therapy Services page to explore other spinal treatments. Mechanical traction is often used alongside posture training and core stabilization techniques to promote long-term spinal health.

Electrical Stimulation

We offer several types of electrical stimulation, each tailored to meet specific therapeutic goals. These include:

• Interferential Current (IFC): Delivers deep stimulation for pain relief and improved circulation. Often used for chronic joint and muscle pain.
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): Commonly used to block pain signals and provide short-term relief for musculoskeletal discomfort.
• Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES): Activates motor units to strengthen weakened muscles, frequently used after surgery or immobilization.
• High Voltage Stimulation: Helps control joint swelling and is often combined with cryotherapy such as the GameReady system.

These modalities offer several therapeutic benefits, including reduced pain, improved circulation, muscle re-education, decreased muscle spasm, and enhanced functional capacity. Learn more about how these treatments integrate with our rehab programs on our Patient Resources page. We assess each patient’s response and adjust the stimulation parameters to match their tolerance and recovery stage.

Moist Heat Therapy

Moist heat packs, stored in hydrocollators, are applied to soft tissue to alleviate pain, increase circulation, and reduce muscle spasm. Often combined with electrical stimulation, heat therapy relaxes tense muscles and prepares tissues for movement or manual treatment. It is particularly helpful for patients with chronic pain, stiffness, or postural tension in the back, neck, or shoulders. Many patients find that starting a session with moist heat leads to greater ease during stretching and mobilization. Moist heat also enhances blood flow to the area, which can assist with nutrient delivery and waste removal from tissues, supporting the overall healing process.

Isokinetic Strength Testing

Isokinetic strength testing uses specialized computer-controlled equipment to assess isolated joint function. By evaluating parameters like strength, speed, force production, and range of motion, this modality helps detect muscle imbalances and side-to-side asymmetries. Results from these assessments guide rehabilitation planning and ensure safe return to activity following injury or surgery. Our therapists use this objective data to create tailored strength and mobility programs that target deficits and promote optimal recovery. You can learn more about its benefits in this article on isokinetic testing from our partner site.

Integrated Treatment Plans

These modalities are not used in isolation. At OrthoRehab Specialists, we build integrated treatment plans that combine these technologies with manual therapy, targeted exercise, and patient education. Our therapists select modalities based on clinical evaluation, patient goals, and functional limitations. Every session is designed to move you closer to independence, pain relief, and improved performance. We regularly review progress and adjust your plan as needed to ensure the most effective use of time and resources.

In addition to our clinical treatments, we place a strong emphasis on equipping you with tools and knowledge for self-management. Our team will guide you in at-home strategies, ergonomic tips, and personalized exercise routines that reinforce the benefits of in-clinic care. This comprehensive model of care ensures continuity between sessions and supports lasting improvement. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and techniques that extend beyond our clinic walls so you can maintain progress and prevent future injury.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you are recovering from surgery, dealing with chronic pain, or managing a musculoskeletal condition, contact our team today to see how our modalities can help. Schedule an appointment at our Edina or Minneapolis clinic. We’ll evaluate your condition and customize a treatment plan that incorporates the right mix of tools to support your healing. Whether you are a first-time patient or returning for follow-up care, we are ready to support your journey to recovery.