Heat Therapy

Question 1

conduction

Answer 1

transfer from one object to another by direct physical contact; effective 1-3cm depth

Question 2

convection

Answer 2

transfer by movement of air or fluid moving past a body part; affective 1-3cm depth

Question 3

radiation

Answer 3

transfer from one object to another object by transmission of electromagnetic energy

Question 4

goals of heat

Answer 4

• decrease pain and stiffness
• alleviate muscle spasm
• increase ROM and tissue extensibility
• improve tissue healing by increase blood flow

Question 5

increased physiological response to local heat: blood flow

Answer 5

dilation of arteries and arterioles

Question 6

increased physiological response to local heat: capillary permeability

Answer 6

increased capillary pressure

Question 7

increased physiological response to local heat: elasticity of nonelastic tissue

Answer 7

increased extensibility of collagen tissue

Question 8

increased physiological response to local heat: metabolism

Answer 8

every 10 degrees celsius increase in tissue temp equals 2-3x increase in cellular oxidation rate

Question 9

increased physiological response to local heat: vasodilation

Answer 9

release of vasoactive agents

Question 10

increased physiological response to local heat: edema

Answer 10

increased capillary permeability

Question 11

decreased physiological response to superficial localized heat: joint stiffness

Answer 11

increased tissue extensibility and decreased viscosity

Question 12

decreased physiological response to superficial localized heat: muscle spasm

Answer 12

decreased firing of muscle spindles and increased firing of GTO fibers reduces alpha motor neuron activity

Question 13

decreased physiological response to superficial localized heat: pain

Answer 13

inhibition of A delta and c fibers

Question 14

body tissue response to superficial localized heat for skin

Answer 14

temp rises rapidly

greatest temp change

Question 15

body tissue response to superficial localized heat for subcutaneous tissue

Answer 15

temp rises less rapidly and smaller change

Question 16

what shows the least amount of temp change depending on size and depth of structure

Answer 16

muscles and joints

Question 17

contraindications for heat and ice

Answer 17

acute inflammatory conditions
absent sensation
DVT
impaired cognitive fxn
malignant tumor in area of application
tendency toward hemorrhage

Question 18

precautions for heat and ice

Answer 18

cardiac insufficiency 
edema
decreased sensation
decreased mentation
impaired circulation
impaired thermal regulation
metal in treatment area
open wounds
demyelinated nerves

Question 19

treatment preparation for thermo and cryo therapy

Answer 19

• 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

Question 20

moist hot packs

Answer 20

method: conduction

MUST BE WRAPPED IN 6-8 LAYERS

Question 21

precautions for moist hot packs

Answer 21

weight of MHP
position of pt
if pt falls asleep

Question 22

paraffin bath

Answer 22

method: conduction
good for hand and foot arthritis
tx time: 15-20 mins

Question 23

methods of use for paraffin bath

Answer 23

glove (dip-wrap) - dip 5-6 times; wrap with plastic wrap or towel
immersion - suspended in wax

Question 24

contraindications for paraffin bath

Answer 24

allergic rash
open wounds
recent scars
skin infxns

Question 25

whirlpool

Answer 25

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

Question 26

precautions for whirlpool

Answer 26

decreased sensation
decreased cognition
recent skin graft

Question 27

contraindications for whirlpool

Answer 27

open wound