Modalities: Superficial Heating Agents Flashcards
What is Conduction?
Heat transfer from warmer object to cooler object that are in contact with each other.
What modalities utilize Conduction?
- Hot Packs
- Paraffin
What is Convection?
Heat transfer via the movement of air or fluid.
What modalities utilize Convection?
- Whirlpool
- Fluidotherapy (NOT TESTED)
What is Radiation? Modality? (NOT TESTED)
- Transfer of heat via the transmission of electromagnetic energy.
- Infrared Lamps
With general heat application; large areas what Physiological Effects are Increased?
- Cardiac Output
- Metabolic Rate
- Pulse Rate (HR)
- Respiratory Rate
- Vasodilation
(Hip and Knee Immersed; considered a large area)
With general heat application; large areas what Physiological Effects are Decreased?
- Blood Pressure
- Muscle Activity
- Blood to internal organs
- Blood flow to resting muscles
- Stroke Volume
When superficial heat is applied to a small surface area what tissue is heated the most and least?
Most: Skin
Least: Muscles and Joints
In response to local heat application what physiological responses are increased?
- Blood Flow
- Capillary Permeability
- Elasticity
- Metabolism
- Vasodilation
- Edema
In response to local heat application what physiological responses are decreased?
- Joint stiffness
- Muscle Strength
- Muscle Spasms
- Pain
Precautions? READ
- Edema
- Cardiac Insufficiency
- Impaired thermoregulation
- Metal
- Pregnancy
- Open wounds
- Corticosteroid topical application
Contraindication?
- Acute inflammatory conditions
- Decreased Circulation
- DVT
- Impaired cognition and sensation
- Malignant Tumor
What can be given to the patient if they feel discomfort with the heating or cooling modality?
Patients with good cognitive function:
- Give a call bell or other signaling device
How much time is elapsed for a hot pack to reach peak heat?
5 minutes of application, this time patient is at greatest risk for burn - check skin within the first 5 minutes of treatment.
Where is Paraffin primarily applied? (MEH)
Small irregularly shaped areas:
- Wrist
- Hand
- Foot
Indications for Paraffin (MEH)
Painful joints; arthritis in the late subacute or chronic phase.
or
Joint Stiffness
How is Blood Pressure affected by general heat application?
Blood Pressure is Decreased
Vasodilation of the body may cause this
