title: Tissue temperature and blood flow: a research based overview of electrophysical modalities.
abstract: Tissue healing requires an adequate blood and oxygen supply. Physiotherapy heating modalities have traditionally been used to improve blood flow and more recently, electrical stimulation, magnetic fields and laser have been promoted for that purpose. Electrophysical modalities have been investigated for their influence on tissue temperature and blood flow. Ultrasound, hot packs and microwave irradiation increase tissue temperature with microwave providing the most clinically significant increase in blood flow. Ultrasound, laser, magnetic fields and comfortable sensory electrical stimulation do not produce significant changes in blood flow, whereas electrical stimulation which produces a motor response is effective. The most efficient and cost-effective physiotherapeutic method of increasing blood flow is by exercise.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McMeeken
keywords: Blood Circulation; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Exercise; Heat