Biophysical Agents in Practice: Enhancing Pain Control and Strength Outcomes
Presenters:
Amanda Allen Parrish, PT, DPT, PhD
Assistant Professor, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Fellow of the American Association of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Yvonne Body, PT, DHSc, Dip MDT
Assistant Professor, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Tuition: $35 CPTA PT/PTA members; $50 non- and prospective members; Students free
Certified Hours: 1.5 Hours, 0.15 CEUs (CPTA)
Registration: COMING SOON
Date: May 27, 2026, 6:00-7:30 pm PST Location: Live webinar
Who Should Attend: PTs and PTAs
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants will be able to:
Analyze and interpret the current body of evidence associated with commonly used modalities as they are applied in the comprehensive treatment program.
Understand the basic intention behind various parameter settings and develop a deeper understanding of how to adapt the parameters to meet the needs of the client.
Implement defensive documentation that highlights the value of utilizing biophysical agents as a component of the comprehensive treatment program.
Course Description: As reimbursement models continue to shift toward value-based care, physical therapists must demonstrate clinical effectiveness and appropriate use of interventions. Biophysical agents, particularly electrical stimulation, are often questioned due to inconsistent application and limited clinician confidence. Emerging evidence supports the strategic use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve muscle strength and support rehabilitation in populations such as individuals with osteoarthritis and older adults. This session will examine current evidence and translate it into practical guidance for parameter selection, clinical decision-making, and integration of electrical stimulation for pain and strength. Emphasis will be placed on using biophysical agents as skilled, evidence-informed interventions that enhance patient participation and outcomes within a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
Course Schedule:
6:00-6:10 pm – Introduction of Presenters, Verbal Disclosures, Learning Objectives, and
Session Overview (10 min)
6:10-6:35 pm – Review of electrical stimulation for pain and strengthening, parameter
application, and settings for each modality (25 min)
6:35-6:45 pm – BREAK (10 min)
6:45-7:05 pm – Update on evidence-based application of modalities in clinical practice with
case examples (20 min)
7:05-7:20 pm – Documentation to emphasize value (15 min)
7:20-7:30 pm – Closing remarks, questions from participants, final comments (10 min)
Type of Instructional Method: Lecture
Presenter Bios:
Amanda Allen Parrish, PT, DPT, PhD, FAAOMPT
Amanda A. Parrish, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of
Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San
Marcos, California. Dr. Parrish has taught in a DPT program since 2016 and is currently
teaching in the musculoskeletal and biophysical agents courses. Her current research
focuses on understanding factors contributing to physical therapy faculty retention and on
establishing best practice recommendations for exercise prescription in patients undergoing
menopause.
Yvonne Body, PT, DHSc, Dip MDT
Dr. Yvonne Body has a DHSc from Nova Southeastern University and received her PT degree
from Mount St. Mary’s University. Dr. Body’s content expertise is supported by her training
and degree of Physical Therapy, 35 years of experience working as a physical therapist in
outpatient orthopedic settings and multiple other clinical settings, her advanced degree of
Diplomaed in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (McKenzie Method), and her advanced
degree of the Doctor of Health Science. Dr Body’s research interests focus on postprofessional
education, learning strategies, clinical reasoning, and interprofessional
collaboration. Her teaching philosophy encourages the development of the professional with
case-based learning, simulations, and a desire to be a life-long learner.