Effects of themotherapy

Question 1

Describe the effect on cell activity

Answer 1

Chemical reactions involved with metabolic rate increase with the rise in temperature. Approx 13% increase for every degree in temp rise.
However, the temperature rise can also have negative effects as it can cause the destruction of enzymes that you do not want to destroy.

Question 2

Describe the effect on blood flow

Answer 2

Vasodialiation occurs which causes blood flow to increase and causes the skin to redden.
In deeper tissues there is a balance between vasodialiation due to increased blood flow and increased metabolic rate and decreased blood flow due to relative vasoconstriction due to thermoregulation and blood being directed towards the skin.
heat exchange also occurs between veins and arteries to reduce the heat of the blood in the arteries

Question 3

Describe the effect on collagen

Answer 3

It increases the stretch of tissues with a high density of collagen fibres e.g. ligaments and it causes reduced tensile strength and residual elongation.

Question 4

Describe the effect on muscle tone

Answer 4

Muscle tone is also reduced by heat

Question 5

Describe the effect on pain relief

Answer 5

Pain can be reduced as heating can reduce muscle spasm and increases the circulation to ischaemic muscle.

Question 6

Describe the effect on tissue healing

Answer 6

It can have a negative effect on tissue healing as it can increase bleeding, swelling, chemical activity etc. But it can have positive effects later in the stages of healing in small doses.
An increase in blood flow means that there will be more WBCs and nutrients available to help aid the healing process
The increase in blood flow causes a secondary pain - relieving effect as vasodialation accelerates the removal of pain-inducing metabolites or inflammatory products.