Thermo/Cryo/Ultrasound Flashcards
Why do we use ice/cryotherapy?
-To decrease blood flow
-Reduce nerve contraction
-Inflammation control
-Reduce spasm
What is the procedure to applying ice? Ask your patient
-Do you have unusual response to cold? why?
-Do you develop a rash when cold?
-Do you have severe pain or colour changes in your fingertips when cold? Aka. Reynaud’s
What are the contraindications to use cryotherapy?
-Open wounds
-Raynaud’s
-Decreased sensation
What are the indications to use cryotherapy?
-Swelling
-Pain management
-Spasm
-More for acute
What are the benefits of cryotherapy?
-Rapid, effective
-Decrease pain and swelling = increased ROM
What are the benefits to using a wax bath?
Treat multiple sites in complex areas (hands, fingers, knuckles)
What is the treatment application for a contrast bath?
-Cold = 1 min
-Heat = 3-4 min
-Repeat 3-4x
What are the benefits of a contrast bath?
Speed up healing process by speeding up cells and blood flow
Why do we apply thermotherapy?
-Vasodilation = increase blood flow and increase healing
-Pain control
-Improves soft tissue extensibility
-Accelerate healing
When would we use thermotherapy?
-To speed up healing
-Pain management
-Spasm
-Chronic injuries
When wouldn’t you use thermotherapy?
-Recent/potential hemorrhage
-Thrombophlebitis
-Malignant tissue
-Swelling
-Open wounds
-Decreased sensation
-Pregnancy = taking blood from womb
What are 4 adverse affects of thermal agents?
-Burns
-Fainting
-Bleeding
-Skin and eye damage from infrared radiation
What are precautions to look for when using thermotherapy?
-Acute injuries
-Pregnancy
-Impaired circulation
-Swelling/Edema
-Cardiac Insufficiency
-Metal
-Open wounds
What is ultrasound?
-High frequency soundwave
-Deep heat source that targets underlying tissues
What ultrasound method is most often used?
Continuous. Pulsed takes longer
