Chapter 13-hydrotherapy Flashcards
Three types of body changes as a result of hydrotherapy
Mechanical, chemical and thermal
Hydrotherapy
The application of the water in any of its three forms to the body for therapeutic purposes.
Thermal effect of hydrotherapy
Changes in the body temperature by way of baths, wraps, and packs that raise or lower the temperature of the body.
Mechanical effects of hydrotherapy
Effects produced by the pressure exerted on the surface of the body by sprays, whirlpool baths, and friction. buoyancy allows you to weigh 5% of what you weigh in the water.
Chemical effects of hydrotherapy
Effects produced by any variety of products added to bath water or steam such as a sensual oils, herbal preparations, salt, Epsom salts, or baking soda.
Temperature in relation to the body.
The skin is approximately 92°.
Temperatures above 98.6° are considered hot.
Between 92° and 96° is considered warm or tepid.
Between 70° and 90° is considered cool.
Below 70° is considered cold. I
Effects of heat and cold on the body.
The application of heat causes a vasodilation and a circulation increase in an attempt to dissipate heat. The whole body application of heat raises core body temperature, causing a fever like reaction. There is profuse perspiration, increased pulse rate, and increased white and red blood cell count.
Local application of heat causes local reddening increase metabolism and leukocyte migration to the area, relaxation of local musculature, and slight analgesia.
A short, 2 to 5 second, application of cold is stimulating, or as prolonged, 10 to 30 minute, application of cold depresses metabolic activity.
Local applications of cold cause a reduction of nerve sensitivity, circulation, muscle spasms, and spasticity. They have a numbing, anesthetic, analgesic effect that makes invaluable in the relief of acute pain from bursitis, soft tissue injury, burns, and neuralgia.
Contraindications for Hydrotherapy.
Cardiac impairment, diabetes, lung disease, kidney infection, extremely high or low blood pressure, and infectious skin condition, or open wounds.
Inability to feel hot or cold contradicts application of treatment and could potentially burn or freeze client skin.
Treatments that raise core body temperature are contraindicated during pregnancy and for clients with multiple sclerosis.
Cryotherapy
The application of cold agents for therapeutic purposes.
Acronym for series of sensations for cold application.
CBAN- Cold Burning Aching Numbness(analgesia-cessation of pain)
Treat until n is reached then stop. Repeat up to once an hour.
Price
First aid for soft tissue injuries. Protect Rest Ice Compression Elevation
How long before massage can be initiated after soft tissue injury?
48 to 72 hours, and as soon as swelling has subsided, limited massage can proceed.
Contrast therapy
The alternating application of heat and cold for therapeutic purposes. It increases circulation and promotes healing
Start with hot, always end with cold.
Immediate effects of cold treatment
- the skin is chilled
- surface blood vessels constrict, and blood is driven into the interior of the body.
- nerve sensitivity is reduced, reducing pain.
- The metabolic activity of body cells slows.
- inflammation and swelling are reduced. Secondary tissue damage is minimized.
Secondary more lasting effects of cold application-once the cold is removed.
- The skin becomes warmed and relaxed.
- The surface blood vessels dilate, bringing more blood to the skin.
- nerve sensitivity increases.
- adjacent body cells are stimulated in their functional activity-
Ice massage
A local application of cold achieved by massaging a cube of ice over a small area such as a bursa, tendon, or small muscle.
Thermotherapy
The external application of heat to the body for therapeutic purposes.
The four ways heat is transferred to the body.
Conduction, convection and, radiation, conversion.
Conduction
The direct exchange of heat on the surface of the body is in direct contact with the thermal agent.
Convection
The transfer of heat through the movement of the air (steam bath, sauna).
Radiation
The transfer of heat by way of raise contacting the body (the sun, infrared).
Conversion
The converting of an energy source into heat as it passes through the body’s tissue (diathermy, ultrasonography).
Safe working temperatures with hot water
Water less than 115°
Steam vapor as high as 130°F
Recommended temperature for steam is between 105° and 125°
Effects of heat application
Dependent on temperature, duration, and area of the body.
Immediate effect is to bring blood to the surface. Local blood vessels and capillaries dilate, increasing circulation and oxygen absorption.
Continued application increases all skin function and causes profuse sweating. Pain and stiffness or reduced, range of motion increased. Superficial fascia is softened and the extensibility of collagen is increased.
Warm applications relax blood vessels, muscles, nerves, and promote metabolic activity of body cells.
