Figure 6.

(A) Diagram illustrating sites of action, based on currently available mechanistic data, of common physical therapist treatments on the 5 mechanistic categories for pain. Exercise works to modify all 5 mechanisms and can be considered a multimodal therapy. Currently known mechanisms of action of common physical therapist treatments on pain are outlined in detail in the text. TENS = transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. (B) Diagram illustrating sites of action, based on currently available mechanistic data, of common pharmacological treatments on the 5 mechanistic categories for pain. Many physical therapist treatments target multiple mechanisms, whereas most pharmaceutical agents target a single mechanism.