What is meant by the term modality in rehabilitation?

The term modality in rehabilitation refers specifically to the agents used in treatment, such as heat, light, water, and sound. These modalities aim to facilitate healing, manage pain, and improve function within the patient's rehabilitation process. By employing these various physical agents, practitioners can help to enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts and address specific therapeutic goals tailored to an individual's needs.

Understanding modalities is crucial in developing treatment plans that integrate appropriate interventions to improve patient outcomes. While physical therapy techniques, patient responses, and treatment documentation play important roles in rehabilitation, the core definition of modality focuses on those specific therapeutic agents utilized in the process.