Physical therapy modalities are treatments that use physical agents: laser light, a magnetic field, electric current, ultrasound and infrared radiation. We usually use them alongside manual therapy and exercise, because for many conditions the evidence for their effectiveness on their own is limited. A single treatment costs from 15 PLN. We do not perform most of them during pregnancy or for people with a pacemaker.
Below you will find the treatments with prices, information on what is known about how they work, and contraindications.
Key information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| What it helps with | support for back and joint pain, overload and post-injury conditions — as an addition to therapy |
| What you feel | depending on the treatment: tingling or vibration (electrotherapy), warmth (Sollux), usually nothing (laser, magnetic therapy, ultrasound) |
| After the treatment | you return to your everyday activities |
| Combining | most often with manual therapy and exercise |
| Number of visits | set individually after a consultation |
| Price | from 15 PLN |
| Referral | no referral needed, private visits |
Which physical therapy treatments do we offer?
At the clinic we offer laser therapy, magnetic therapy, electrotherapy (including TENS, Träbert, Kotz, diadynamic and interferential currents, galvanisation, iontophoresis and electrical stimulation), ultrasound with phonophoresis, and Sollux lamp therapy. The physiotherapist chooses the treatment and its settings after an examination, taking into account the type of complaint, contraindications and the other elements of therapy. Not every patient needs physical therapy modalities.
| Treatment | What it involves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Laser therapy | low-power laser light directed at specific points on the tissues | 20 PLN |
| Magnetic therapy | a low-frequency alternating magnetic field (BTL-4920 Magnet Topline device) | 15 PLN |
| Electrotherapy | TENS, Träbert, Kotz, diadynamic and interferential currents, galvanisation, iontophoresis, electrical stimulation | 15 PLN |
| Ultrasound, phonophoresis | an ultrasound wave; in phonophoresis combined with a medicated gel | 20 PLN |
| Sollux | an infrared lamp that warms the skin and superficial tissues | 15 PLN |
What is known about the effectiveness of physical therapy modalities?
The state of research differs between treatments. TENS may reduce the perception of pain during use and shortly afterwards, but results for chronic pain are inconclusive. For low-level laser therapy there are studies suggesting benefits for some conditions, e.g. of the joints and tendons, although the quality of evidence varies. The effectiveness of ultrasound and magnetic therapy is poorly supported. That is why, at our clinic, physical therapy modalities are an addition to manual therapy and exercise, not a replacement for them.
When are physical therapy modalities not advisable?
- pregnancy (most treatments),
- a pacemaker or another implanted electronic device,
- cancer in the treatment area,
- fever, acute infections, active tuberculosis,
- a tendency to bleed, thrombosis,
- metal implants in the treatment area — for some treatments, including electrotherapy and ultrasound,
- impaired sensation, damaged skin in the treatment area,
- epilepsy — for some treatments.
Safety is decided by the physiotherapist after taking your history — tell her about any illnesses, implants and medication.
Which conditions do we use them for?
Questions about physical therapy modalities
Do the currents used in electrotherapy hurt?
They shouldn’t. During the treatment you feel tingling, prickling or muscle twitching, and the physiotherapist sets the intensity so that it is clearly noticeable but not painful. If the sensation becomes unpleasant or you feel burning under an electrode, say so straight away — the treatment can be stopped or the settings changed.
Can I have a treatment if I have a metal implant?
It depends on the treatment and where the implant is. For some treatments, e.g. electrotherapy or ultrasound, metal in the treatment area is a contraindication, while other treatments may be possible. That is why you should always mention a joint replacement, plates, screws or a pacemaker. The physiotherapist will assess this before the treatment and, if necessary, choose a different method.
Are physical therapy modalities enough on their own?
Usually not. Physical treatments mainly play a supporting role, so we combine them with manual therapy and exercise, which are the basis of treatment for most musculoskeletal complaints. Whether you need physical therapy modalities and which treatment to choose is decided by the physiotherapist after a consultation and examination.
Do you accept NFZ referrals for treatments?
No. The clinic has no contract with the NFZ (the Polish public health fund) and sees patients privately only, according to the price list. A referral is not needed, but if you have one, bring it along with your medical records — the doctor’s diagnosis and recommendations help the physiotherapist plan your therapy. You will find the prices of all treatments in the price list.
More about the treatments: Electrotherapy — types of current · TENS · Laser therapy · Magnetic therapy · Ultrasound and phonophoresis · Sollux lamp · Contraindications to physical therapy modalities
- Consultation180 PLN
- Referralnot needed
- ReceptionMon–Fri: 7.00–20.00
