Superficial Heat Agents Flashcards
Superficial Heat Agents (Definition)
Therapeutic application of any modality to the skin which results in an increased skin and superfical subcutaneous tissue temp. (1-2cm deep)
Produces a moderate dose of increase in body tissue to 102-106 degrees with a slight increase in blood flow lasting up to 20 minutes post tx.
Conduction (definition)
& 3 heat modalities that use conduction
Heat on the skin causes a transfer of energy
Hot pack, contrast bath, paraffin.
Convection (definition)
& 2 heat modalities that use convection
Conveyance of heat by the movement of heated particles (water, air, or fibers)
Whirlpool, fluidotherapy.
Heat modalities are good for (8) specific symptoms/dx.
1) Stiff joints
2) Muscle spasams
3) Subcutaneous adhesions
4) Contractures
5) Chronic Arthritis
6) Subactue/Chronic inflammation
7) Neuromas
8) Sympathetic nervous system disorders (chronic regional pain syndrome)
Heat modalities produce 4 specific effects
1) Analgesic effect
2) Vascular
3) Metabolic
4) Connective tissue (collogen/extensibility)
How do heat modalities produce an analgesic effect
They reduce pain by acting on free nerve endings, tissues, and peripheral nerve fibers.
How do heat modalities produce a vascular effect
6-14 degree increase in tissue temp. facilitates the release of substances such as histamine that result in vasodilation.
Increase in blood flow reduces ischemia, muscle spindle activity, and tonic muscles contractions which aids in pain relief and decreased muscle spasms.
How do heat modalities produce a metabolic effect
Increase of blood flow and oxygen with tissue brings greater anitbodies, leukocytes. nutrients, and enzymes to injured tissues which aids in pain relief and tissue repair.
How do heat modalities effect connective tissue
They improve the properties of collagen and extensibility of the tissue when combined w/ movement.
Used when a quick and low maintenance heat is adequate for delivering heat.
Hot pack (beware of the weight on pts.)
Water bath with aeration used when buoyancy and ease of movement is desired.
Whirlpool
Fine particles called celloulus from ground up corn husks are suspended in air
Fluidotherapy
has a higher heat level
Immersion in a wax
Paraffin
What do hot packs allow for
Allows for stretch and elevation but not movement
What are whirlpools primarily good for
Good for use with open wound w/o heat.
Good for cleaning and debridement.
What is fluidotherapy primarily used for
Used for the benefits of stretch and desensitization
When is paraffin primarily used
Used when an even distribution of heat is desired or when hand joints specifically need heating.
(can be used in conjunction with a passive stretch of a digit)
Contraindications for heat modalities (3)
1) Acute injury or inflammation
2) Impaired sensation (worse then a 2.83 on Semmes Weinstein)
3) Malignancy
Precautions for heat modalities (9)
1) Mild impaired sensation
2) Tumors/Cancer in the past
3) Acute inflammation
4) DVT
5) Bleeding tendencies
6) Infection
7) Advanced cardiac disease
8) Impaired mental status
9) RA
Hot Pack Application and time frame
Clay pack stored in water of (165-170 for heating, 90-100 for wounds), placed in a cover then layered with towels.
Total of 6-8 layering of toweling with the cover counting as 3 layers.
More layers if “sandwiched” or laying a body part on top of heat).
Hot pack is then placed on the area assuring positioning allows for relaxation of the area as well as elevated if needed for edema.
Delivers heat at a 105-113 level.
Leave on for 15-20min.
Whirlpool Application and time frame
Fill the whirlpool monitoring the temp. (100-104 for heating, 90-100 for wounds).
Position pt. close using towels to protect clothing, adjust height of whirlpool to assure for max comfort/coverage.
Turn on and adjust agitation to pt. comfort.
Tx. time is 20min.
Fluidotherapy application and time frame
Preheat unit to 105-118 degrees.
Wash hands and thoroughly dry, remove jewelry.
Position pt. so both legs are positioned on one side of the machine so they can move as close as possible.
Open the arm sleeve, have the pt. insert their arm and wrap the velcro closure snuggle around the upper arm.
Adjust the setting to 15-20min and after beginning adjust the agitation level (higher creates more buoyancy and lower creates more desensitization).
Paraffin application and time frame
Remove jewelry, clean and thoroughly dry hand.
Check that wax is at the right temp (118-135)
With fingers apart, have pt. slowly immerse hand into wax avoiding contact with the sides and bottom (demo first).
Allow to air dry a few seconds until it loses its shiny appearance.
Dip 6-10 times until a thick coating is achieved.
Wrap in plastic bag then towel or mitt.
Leave on x15min.
Remove paraffin then discared.
Can be combined w/ another heat modality.
uses the effects of heat and cold modalities in combination.
Contrast bath
