Thermal Agents

Question 1

Name 4 ways thermal energy is transmitted

Answer 1

Conduction
Convection
Radiation
Evaporation

Question 2

Define conduction

Answer 2

Collision of neighbouring atoms and molecules

Question 3

Define convection

Answer 3

Transfer of thermal energy due to movement of molecules within fluid or gasses

Question 4

Define radiation

Answer 4

Direct transfer of thermal energy without a medium of transfer

Question 5

Define evaporation

Answer 5

Latent heat required to convert liquid to gas. Has cooling effect eg. Sweating

Question 6

Name 3 ways thermal energy can be transmitted to the body

Answer 6

Conduction (hot-packs and ice packs )
Convection ( hydrotherapy)
Radiation (short wave diathermy)

Question 7

Name the 4 cryotherapy modalities

Answer 7

• ice packs:
• Cryo-cuff: added compression to injured site
• cold water immersion: promote recovery in athletic populations
• ice massage: ice t affected area in dynamic manner

Question 8

Physiological effect of cryotherapy in haemodynamic/circulation syst.

Answer 8

Initial vasoconstriction
Lewis hunting reaction 
 ⬇️permeability of vessels 
⬇️inflammation 
delay infiltraion of inflammatory cells = impact on peripheral sensitization 
elay satellite cell prolifiration

Question 9

Define lewis hunting reaction

Answer 9

Initial response: preserve heat = local vasoconstriction

After a period: vasodilation = alternate periods of constriction + dilation

Question 10

Physiological effect of cryotherapy on neurological system

Answer 10

⬇️conductivity of neural tissue
pain gait modulatio= ascending pain modulation
activation of descending pain modulation pathway= endogenous opioid released

Question 11

Physiological effect of cryotherapy on metabolic system

Answer 11

⬇️metabolic demads
⬇️o2 needs of surrounding tissue and mitochondria
impact on secondary tissue damage

Question 12

What is placebo mechanism

Answer 12

Undetermined psychophysiological mechanism

Patient expectations and conditions

Question 13

Therapeutic benefits of cryotherapy

Answer 13

⬇️pain
improved physical performance
improved swelling
aids recovery from exercise

Question 14

Precautions of cryotherapy

Answer 14

Open wounds

Altered mental state

Question 15

Contra-indications of cryotherapy

Answer 15

Cold hypersensitivity
Loss of skin sensation
Peripheral vascular disease
Direct application over regenerating peripheral nerve

Question 16

3 application methods of heat

Answer 16

1) heat pack/hydrocollater
2) paraffin wax bath: used in difficult to reach areas eg. Osteoarthritis in hands
3) short wave diathermy

Question 17

Physiological effect of heat on heamodynamic system

Answer 17

Vasodilation
⬆️cappilary permeabilty
⬆️local blood flow

Question 18

Physiological effect of heat on neuromusculoskeletal system

Answer 18

⬇️nerve sensitivity

⬇️muscle spindle act and muscle relaxation (inhibitory effect on alpha and gamma motor neuron)

Question 19

Physiological effect of heat Metabolic system

Answer 19

Van’t hoffs law (chemical R accelerated by⬆️ temp)

⬆️act of destructive enzymes (collagenase)

Question 20

Therapeutic benefits of heat

Answer 20

Manage short term pain
Promote function and minimise disability
Reduce stiffness and improving range of motion 
Couple heat with exercise (how use) 
20 min

Question 21

Precautions of heat

Answer 21

Open wounds
Implanted metallic devices
Pregnancy

Question 22

Contra indications of heat

Answer 22

Acute inflammation 
Recent haemorrhage
Deep vein thrombosis 
Altered mental status 
Malignancy