Hydrotherapy Flashcards
Application of water internally or externally for the tx of physical or psychological dysfunction
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy indications (5)
- wound
- pain
- edema
- decreased ROM
- mm spasm/guarding
Local immersion contraindications (2)
- Maceration
- Bleeding
Full body immersion contraindications (5)
- bowel incontinence
- severe epilepsy
- suicidal
- cardiac instability
- infection
Full body immersion precautions (6)
- confusion
- alcohol
- balance issues
- urinary incontinence
- pregnancy
- fear of water
Physical properties of water (4)
- specific heat
- buoyancy
- resistance
- hydrostatic pressure
With whirlpool, why would you point the agitator twd the pt? Away?
Twd- cleanse a wound
Away- recent skin graft or wound granulation
Water retains 4x more thermal energy as the same mass of air
Specific heat
Opposite force to gravity. Specific gravity is less than water, object will float
Buoyancy
Resistance increases with…
- speed of motion
- surface area in contact with water
Pressure exerted by a fluid on a body immersed in that fluid. Increases in proportion to depth of fluid
Hydrostatic pressure
Cold water temp and indications
32-79*F
Acute inflammation
Tepid water temp and indications
79-92*F
Acute inflammation if cant tolerate cold
Neutral water temp and indications
92-96*F
Open wounds
Circulatory, sensory, cardiac disorders
Mild water temp and indications
96-98*F
Increase mobility w/ burn pts
