Physical agent modalities developing a framework for clinical application in occupational therapy practice

Physical agent modalities (PAMs) have gained greater acceptance within the profession. An impediment to appropriate, effective use of PAMs has been variability in education, training, and competency. Increasing numbers of state occupational therapy licensing boards have adopted separate regulatory guidelines to address the issue of PAMs. Successful use of PAMs in practice requires a framework and appreciation of the impact of PAMs on the intrinsic client factors.