PAMs are considered part of which therapy field?

• A. Occupational therapy
• B. Physical therapy
• C. Speech therapy
• D. Audiology therapy

Answer: (B)

Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs) are tools used to influence tissue healing, pain, and function through physical means like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat and cold, traction, and other modalities. These approaches are a core part of physical therapy because the field focuses on restoring movement and function by addressing the body's tissues and systems—muscles, nerves, joints, and circulation—in addition to therapeutic exercise. While other professions may use some modalities in specific situations, they’re not central to their primary scope of practice. Occupational therapy centers on enabling participation in daily activities, often with fewer emphasis on tissue-level modalities; speech therapy and audiology focus on communication and hearing rather than physical tissue treatment. So PAMs are best aligned with physical therapy.