Heat and Cold Therapies

Question 1

Heat Therapy Indications

Answer 1

• vasodilation
• analgesic effect (reduces muscle tension and eases joint stiffness and pain)
• REDUCES blood viscosity (promotes delivery of nutrients and removal of waste)
• Increases cell metabolism
• relaxation and rest
• use only for 20 - 30 mins
• examples: chronic arthritis, menstrual cramps

Question 2

Heat therapy contraindications

Answer 2

• acute bleeding in area
• cardiovascular problems
• appendicitis (can rupture)

Question 3

Cold Therapy Indications

Answer 3

• vasoconstriction (reduced blood flow)
• local anesthetic effect ( reduces blood flow preventing edema)
  -INCREASES blood viscosity (promotes coagulation and decreases bleeding)
• decreases cell metabolism (reduces inflammation)
• use only for 20 - 30 mins, reassess every 10 to 15 minutes
• examples: ankle sprain, femur fracture, fresh colectomy

Question 4

Cold therapy contraindications

Answer 4

severe edema
impaired circulation
neuropathy
shivering client