Physiotherapy devices

A seminar on device-based physiotherapy using the multifunctional ASTAR PhysioGo 701I platform: electrotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, laser therapy (photobiomodulation), magnetic therapy, combination methods and the basics of electrodiagnostics.

The aim is not to “teach you which buttons to press” but to build an understanding of the physical principles, the indications and contraindications, safe operation and the real limits of the evidence behind each method.

Who it suits

• doctors and physiotherapists;
• rehabilitation and sports rehabilitation specialists;
• manual therapists and osteopaths;
• teachers and students in related fields.

Whether you may apply this independently in clinical work depends on your qualification and on the law of your country — we cover that separately on the seminar.

What we cover

Electrotherapy

Current, pulse duration, frequency, polarity, current density, tissue resistance and electrode placement. Modes: TENS (symmetrical, asymmetrical, burst), interferential currents, diadynamic currents (MF, DF, CP, CP-ISO, LP), Kots and Trabert currents, galvanic current, microcurrents, rectangular and triangular pulses.

Practice: examining the skin, checking sensation, choosing and fixing electrodes, raising the intensity safely, observing the patient and stopping treatment on an adverse response.

Therapeutic ultrasound

Frequencies of 1 and 3.5 MHz, 1 and 4 cm² heads, continuous and pulsed modes, the coupling medium, the speed of moving the applicator, effective radiating area and checking contact. Separately: why therapeutic ultrasound is not the same as diagnostic ultrasound.

Laser therapy and photobiomodulation

Wavelength, power, energy and energy density, emission modes, point applicators (660 nm up to 80 mW and 808 nm up to 400 mW), cluster and scanning applicators. Dose calculation, eye protection by wavelength, labelling, control of access to the room and laser safety requirements.

Magnetic therapy

Magnetic induction up to 10 mT, frequencies of 2–120 Hz, waveforms, the CPE1 and CPE2 applicators, their placement and checking that they work. Separately: the risks with implanted electronic devices and a critical look at the evidence for the method.

Combination therapy and electrodiagnostics

Which modes may be combined on this particular device, how the applicators are connected and how settings are recorded. Rheobase, chronaxie and accommodation: what they show, how electrode placement, temperature and skin resistance affect them, and why this is not a substitute for nerve conduction studies.

Case discussions

• non-specific low back and neck pain: assessing risk and the role of exercise;
• osteoarthritis: assessing pain and function, supporting methods;
• tendinopathy and myofascial pain: why graded load comes first;
• muscle weakness after immobilisation: selecting patients for neuromuscular stimulation;
• sports injuries and post-operative rehabilitation: staging and agreement with the treating team;
• a patient with a pacemaker: which methods and areas are dangerous;
• a hot, swollen joint: why treatment waits for medical assessment.

Safety and contraindications

Contraindications are covered separately for each method: electronic implants, pregnancy, suspected thrombosis or tumour in the treatment area, active infection and fever, altered sensation, skin damage, bleeding risk, certain vascular and post-operative states, and the danger of laser exposure to the eyes.

A separate block covers the working order: checking the device and applicators, informed consent, choosing the programme and parameters according to the instructions, monitoring during treatment, emergency stop, cleaning the accessories and keeping records.

Programme format

• Day 1 — physical principles, how the device works, safety, clinical selection;
• Day 2 — electrotherapy, TENS and neuromuscular stimulation;
• Day 3 — ultrasound, combination methods, practical stations;
• Day 4 — laser, magnetic therapy, the evidence base, safety;
• Day 5 — clinical cases, documentation, practical examination.

The full course is 5 days, 40 academic hours. The programme can be adapted to the language, the professions of the participants and the requirements of a particular country, including a shortened format delivered on site.

What you will be able to do

• find your way around the interface and distinguish between the methods;
• explain the treatment parameters and set them according to the instructions;
• identify contraindications and judge how well evidenced a method is;
• record a treatment and observe hygiene and safety;
• transport the device safely for work on the road.

Assessment: a test on physical principles and contraindications, a demonstration of preparing the device, a practical station with a safe choice of parameters, and a case discussion.

Dates and price are being confirmed — send an enquiry and we will share the details as soon as booking opens. The academy’s certificate confirms attendance; it is not a medical licence and does not automatically confer the right to carry out these treatments in any given country.