Superficial Heat (2) Flashcards
What are the physiologic effects of superficial heat?
Vasodilation
Increased blood flow
Increased tissue temperature
Increased inflammation
Increased metabolic rate
Increased tissue extensibility
Decrease strength
Decrease pain perception
What are the therapeutic effects of superficial heat?
Pain modulation
Muscle relaxation
Muscle flexibility increase
Joint stiffness decrease
Tissue healing acceleration
What are the different types of superficial heat?
Hot pack
Paraffin
Fluidotherapy
Infrared lamp
What are abnormal responses to superficial heat?
Burning/itching skin
Blisters
Swelling/bleeding/bruising
Rash
Fainting
How often do you check skin when using a heat pack?
Every 5 minutes
How long should treatment time be with a hot pack?
15-20 minutes
What is the mechanism of superficial heat?
Analgesia
Improved nutrition at cellular level
Increased removal of inflammatory process byproducts (all of this due to increased blood flow)
What are the parameters of using a hot pack?
Temperature of 160-165° F
15-20 minutes
6-8 layers of towels
Inspect skin for sensory
Place patient in comfortable position
Check skin after 5 min
Timer and notification bell
What are the parameters of using a paraffin?
Temp of 126° F
Inspect area for sensation
Hands must be completely dry
10-15 min treatment time
Timer and notification bell required
What are the parameters of infrared lamps?
Slightly moist towel placed over area being treated and rest of body in dry towels
Treatment area 20 inches away from light
15-20 min treatment time
Check skin every 3-5 min
Timer and notification bell required
What are parameters of fluidotherapy?
Temp of 100-118° F
AROM encouraged during
15-20 min treatment time
Check patient every 5 min
Timer and notification bell required
