Application of heat Flashcards
What’s the rationale behind applying heat?
Decreases:
Muscle spasm
Joint stiffness
Oedema/swelling
Pain
Increases tissue extensibility
What types of physiological effects does applying heat have?
Circulatory
Neurophysiological
Mechanical
Neuropsychological
What are the circulatory effects of applying heat?
vasodilation
healing promotion
metabolic rate
What are the neurophysiological effects of applying heat?
force generation,
analgesic effects - painkiller
What are the mechanical effects of applying heat?
Viscoelastic properties
What are the neuropsychological effects of applying heat?
Reduces fear & pain
Induces relaxation
Gives reassurance & locus of control
Placebo effect
What structures are affected by applying heat?
Muscles
joints
Areas in pain, spasm, swelling (post 72hrs), tenosynovitis, contractures & haematomas
What are the principles of applying heat?
1) Introduce
2) Explain procedure & benefits for informed consent
3) Check area visually and ask about contraindications
4) Hot & cold sensation test
5) Wrap hot pack in 8 layers of towel
6) Pack hot pack around area
7) Leave for 4-5 mins, check temp ~ if too hot take off or add another layer of towel
8) Leave it for 12-15 minutes, remove & check skin for damage
What are the precautions/ contraindications?
Decreased / absent sensation
Demyelinating disease
Acute inflammation
Bleeding disorder
Hemorrhage
Malignancy
Communication difficulties
Atrophic skin
Ischaemia
Scar tissue
Hypertension
Pregnancy
Multiple sclerosis
Open wounds / infection
Adrenal suppression / failure
Systemic lupus
Erythematosus
Are you feeling well in yourself?
Do you have any skin conditions/ open wounds?
Do you have any heart or circulatory conditions?
How would you document this treatment?
Date, Time, Patient name
Explanation of procedure & gaining informed consent
Hot/cold sensation test results?
Area heat applied to
Adverse effects on skin 4-5 mins in?
Total duration?
Adverse affects afterwards?
Recommend at home application?
Sign
