Application of Heat Flashcards
Hot packs
superficial, moist heat
Commercial bags are canvas/nylon bags with hydrophililc material
Hot packs are stored in
70-75C (158-167F)
Hot packs retain temp for
about 20 min
a higher than body temp - NOT steady state
Hot packs need to be covered with
6-8 layers of toweling
Heat should feel mild to mod
Lying on hot pack
NO
Inc rate of heat transfer
Inc intensity
Dec local circulation
Need to check skin with hot pack after
5 minutes!
Paraffin - melting point
Wax with a melting point of 54.5 C (130 F)
Paraffin with addition of mineral oil - lowers melting temp
to as low as 45 C (113 F)
Paraffin vs water Specific heat
Paraffin has a lower S so it doesnt feel as hot
Slower thermal conduction than water too
Paraffin is used for
distal parts of extremities
Sensory testing
Extremity should be clean and dry
No jewelr
Paraffin can be used over..
healed burned areas to inc skin pliability but lower temp
Do NOT use paraffin over
open wounds
Paraffin tx for how long?
10-20 minutes
Techniques for paraffin
dip and wrap
Dip and re-immerse
Paint
Dip and Wrap
8-10 dips Place body in plastic bag wrap paper towels first for additional insulation Cover plastic bag with towels Body part should be elevated
Dip and re-immerse
One dip to form glove
Once formed, re-immerse and maintain position in parffin for duration of tx
Caution patient not to move or will break seal and burn
Pain
Use a brush to apply paraffin to selected areas
Fluidotherapy
Dry heat, massaging, sensory stimulation
Warm air is forced through a bed of cellulose material
Temp and time for fluidotherapy
102-118 F
20 minutes
Allows for exercise inside
Infrared lamps
Superfiical, dry heat
Two types of lamps
1. Near infrared
2 Far infrared
Near Infrared lamp
Luminous Wavelength 770-1500 nm Visible light Greater reflection Depth of penetration 5-10 mm
Far Infrared lamp
Non-luminous
Wavelength 1500-12500 nm
Less penetration (2mm) but will feel warmer
Infrared lamps tissue temp is
directly proportional to amount of radiation penetrating the skin
Beam goes perp to skin
45-60 cm away from skin
15-30 min tx
Application of heat should be
combined with therapeutic exercise/mobility
