Superficial Cold Flashcards
Physical agent
Modality used to produce a therapeutic response in human tissues
Conduction
Process of heat transfer from one source to another (cold pack)
Conductive modalities
Modality that produce a tissue temp decrease or increase
Cold pack
Gel like substance inside a plastic sleeve
Ice pack
Cubed, crushed, or wetted ice in plastic bag
Ice massage
Ice cube is melted directly into the skin
Cold compression
Cold and compression occur simultaneously (requires a machine)
Convection
Movement of particles transporting their heat energy from hotter areas to colder areas (a fan)
What can superficial cold be used for?
Pain modulation
Swelling management
Muscle spasms
Soft tissue injuries (sprains)
Tendinitis
Bursitis
Myofascial trigger points
Post surgical
DOMS
What are the precautions of superficial cold?
Impaired cognition and communication
Pediatrics and geriatrics
Over superficial nerves
Hypertension
Previous frostbite
What are the contraindications of superficial cold?
Cold hypersensitivity and intolerance
Cryoglobulinemia (blood clot when presented to cold)
Raynaud’s disease (numb finger tips and toes)
Over regenerating peripheral nerve
Circulatory compromise in area
Peripheral vascular disease in area
Skin anesthesia in area
Altered temp regulation
Over burns, wounds, rashes
What are the normal responses to superficial cold?
Cold-burn-ache-numb
Mild/mod skin erythema
How does superficial cold aid in pain control?
Gate theory, causing numbness, slowed nerve velocities, reduces spasms and edema
How does superficial cold control inflammation?
Vasoconstriction
How does superficial cold decrease the possibility of secondary cell necrosis?
Lowers cell metabolism and O2 requirements
