Classification of Physical Medicine

Journal/Book: Physikalische Medizin Rehabilitationsmedizin Kurortmedizin. 1993; 3/6: 173-177.

Abstract: Classificatory systems serve to order part of a subject from certain standpoints. Classification includes both classifying and the items classified. Within the process of putting something into words, classification is of elementary importance.To classify Physical Medicine into upper, basic and subclasses, the following postulations are put forward:-The principles of class formation must serve the specific development of the field, i.e., theoretically, a classificatory system must be fertile and thus relevant to hypotheses.-Each class must be unambiguously determined by at least one criterion; a precise determination of concepts is assumed.-The number of classes must be easily comprehensible. Con fused classification is not relevant to practice.Observation of physical actions is done at a scientifically interesting level. Concerning the qualities of physical action, five fundamental physical actions would be sufficient: mechanical, thermal, electric, actinic, physicochemical. Under the aspect of research work, a classification like this is absolutely indicated, for practice, however, it is far from mature.Three practice relevant levels of classification are proposed:1. Subsections (superclasses)A subsection is a field delimeted with regard to contents of activity and quality of action with several methods (e.g. electrotherapy) assigned to.2. Methods (fundamental classes)A method is a procedure ordered under theoretical and practical aspects comprising several therapeutic remedies (e.g. low-frequency current).3. Therapeutic remedies (subclasses)A therapeutic remedy is a therapeutic defined concerning its effects, parameters and indications (e.g. neofarad threshold current).

Keyword(s): Physikalische Medizin

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