Heat Therapy Flashcards
conduction
transfer from one object to another by direct physical contact; effective 1-3cm depth
convection
transfer by movement of air or fluid moving past a body part; affective 1-3cm depth
radiation
transfer from one object to another object by transmission of electromagnetic energy
goals of heat
- decrease pain and stiffness
- alleviate muscle spasm
- increase ROM and tissue extensibility
- improve tissue healing by increase blood flow
increased physiological response to local heat: blood flow
dilation of arteries and arterioles
increased physiological response to local heat: capillary permeability
increased capillary pressure
increased physiological response to local heat: elasticity of nonelastic tissue
increased extensibility of collagen tissue
increased physiological response to local heat: metabolism
every 10 degrees celsius increase in tissue temp equals 2-3x increase in cellular oxidation rate
increased physiological response to local heat: vasodilation
release of vasoactive agents
increased physiological response to local heat: edema
increased capillary permeability
decreased physiological response to superficial localized heat: joint stiffness
increased tissue extensibility and decreased viscosity
decreased physiological response to superficial localized heat: muscle spasm
decreased firing of muscle spindles and increased firing of GTO fibers reduces alpha motor neuron activity
decreased physiological response to superficial localized heat: pain
inhibition of A delta and c fibers
body tissue response to superficial localized heat for skin
temp rises rapidly
greatest temp change
body tissue response to superficial localized heat for subcutaneous tissue
temp rises less rapidly and smaller change
what shows the least amount of temp change depending on size and depth of structure
muscles and joints
contraindications for heat and ice
acute inflammatory conditions absent sensation DVT impaired cognitive fxn malignant tumor in area of application tendency toward hemorrhage
precautions for heat and ice
cardiac insufficiency edema decreased sensation decreased mentation impaired circulation impaired thermal regulation metal in treatment area open wounds demyelinated nerves
treatment preparation for thermo and cryo therapy
- must explain to pt
- place pt in position
- expose treatment area
- leave call bell or signaling device with pt
- check on pt
- dry and inspect skin
- record response
moist hot packs
method: conduction
MUST BE WRAPPED IN 6-8 LAYERS
precautions for moist hot packs
weight of MHP
position of pt
if pt falls asleep
paraffin bath
method: conduction
good for hand and foot arthritis
tx time: 15-20 mins
methods of use for paraffin bath
glove (dip-wrap) - dip 5-6 times; wrap with plastic wrap or towel
immersion - suspended in wax
contraindications for paraffin bath
allergic rash
open wounds
recent scars
skin infxns
whirlpool
method: convection
partial or total immersion of body part in water which is agitated with air against or around body part
tx time: 20 mins
precautions for whirlpool
decreased sensation
decreased cognition
recent skin graft
contraindications for whirlpool
open wound
