Superficial heat

Question 1

Local Effects of Superficial Heat

Answer 1

For each 1.8 degrees F rise in skin temp:

• 13% cellular metabolic rate increase causing increase in cells demand for O2: more nutrients
• Too Soon after an injury=Hypoxia

Question 2

Heat dissipation to Tx Area

Answer 2

1. First 5 min: a rapid increase in skin temp due to skin absorbing heat from hot pack
2. After 7-10 mins: temp gradient evens out
3. After 20 min at a constant intensity: vessels, which were max vasodilated, begin to constrict=REBOUND VASOCONSTRICTION; may end in mottling

Question 3

Moist Heat packs

Answer 3

Increase skin temp more rapidly than dry heat

• Average temp rise will be 38 degrees F at a depth of 1cm
• kept in water 160-170 F
• therapeutic properties = retains heat 30-45 mins (max 15 min)
• 4-6 layers of protection
• Duration: 20-30 mins

Question 4

Warm Whirlpools

Answer 4

• Never exceed 115F
• Duration=20-30 mins
• Turbulence creates sedative and analgesic effect on sensory nerves

Question 5

Contrast baths

Answer 5

• Cause cycling of vasoconstriction and vasodilation
• sub-acute or chronic(edema)
• Hot to Cold Ration for time is 3:1 or 4:1
• end on proper temp
• Warm tub 105-110 F
• Cold tub 50-60 F
• Time= 20 mins

Question 6

Paraffin Bath

Answer 6

-7 parts paraffin wax: 1 part mineral oil
-For hand and wrist
-Temp between 118-126 F (113-121 F for LE)
-Increase articular temps up to 6.3 F
-Best used for chronic inflammatory conditions
Duration: 15-20 min

Question 7

Superficial Heat

Answer 7

-Heating of the skin and underlying tissue to depths of less than 2 cm

Question 8

Deep Heat

Answer 8

-Heating of tissue between 2-5 cm in depth

Question 9

Vascular Effects

Answer 9

• Vasodilation of skin blood vessels
• Increase in O2
• Increase of WBC’s
• Increase of chemical mediators (histamine and prostaglandins)
• Increase capillary permeability
• Increase lymphatic/venous return
• Increase removal of metabolic wastes

Question 10

Superficial Heat Indications

Answer 10

• Subacute and chronic inflammation
• Subacute and chronic pain
• Subacute and chronic muscle spasm
• Decrease ROM
• Reduction of joint contractures
• Hematoma resolution

Question 11

Superficial Heat Contraindications

Answer 11

• Acute injuries
• Impaired circulation (diabetes)
• Poor thermal regulation
• Anesthetic areas
• Neoplasms - Tumor
• infection
• systemic infection
• Elderly; children