Combination of Thermal Agents

Question 1

Whirlpool bath

Answer 1

Hydrotherapy process that uses forced air to agitate water in tank to provide mild, moderate, or vigorous doseage of heat

Question 2

Whirlpool bath application procedure

Answer 2

Fill tub with water at desired temperature (100-104 F for heating and 90-100 F for open wounds)
Remove jewelry or clothing on area being treated
Position patient and submerge extremity in tank while ensuring patient’s fingers are not near water agitation device
Start agitator and adjust speed and direction of water flow
Set treatment time to 20 minutes and stay with patient for entire treatment session to monitor vitals and subjective responses to treatment
Remove hand from water at end of 20 minutes, dry, and inspect

Question 3

Advantages of whirlpool bath

Answer 3

Allows observation of part being treated
Can use either warm or cold water
Mechanical effects are useful for wound care and edema control
Water buoyancy can enhance exercise and aid in recent healed fractures, inflammatory conditions, peripheral vascular disease, and peripheral nerve injuires
Permit specialized treatment
Temperature and water agitation can be controlled
Suitable for massaging soft tissue and improving strength
AROM possible during immersion

Question 4

Disadvantages of whirlpool bath

Answer 4

Extremity is held in dependent position
Risk of cross contamination
Time consuming and messy
Requires large amounts of water

Question 5

Contrast baths

Answer 5

Immersing extremity in alternating tubs of hot and cold water causes extremity to cycle between vasodilation and vasoconstriction

Question 6

General administration procedure for contrast baths

Answer 6

Extremity is held in hot water for 3 or 4 minutes (105-110 F) and then immediately immersed in cold water (50-60 F)
If desired effect of treatment is to achieve state of vasoconstriction, then last bath will be cold water
If state of vasodilation or relaxation is desired, then last bath will be warm water

Question 7

Advantages of contrast baths

Answer 7

Indicated for treatment of edema, pain reduction, or impaired circulation
Promotes blood flow and helps with venous and lymphatic return

Question 8

Contraindications for contrast baths

Answer 8

Treatment following acute injuries
Any hypersensitivity to cold

Question 9

Are hot and cold packs typically not paid for by Medicare?

Answer 9

No