Thermotherapy

Question 1

Thermotherapy Indications

Answer 1

1) Subacute or chronic pain secondary to:
- arthritis
- bursitis
- tendonitis
- muscle strain/spasm
2) Warm-up tissue prior to exercise, stretching, deep massage, and manual release of soft tissue

Question 2

Thermotherapy Contraindications

Answer 2

1) Acute injury
2) Open, draining wounds (unless appropriately covered)
3) Rash,
4) malignancy
5) phlebitis
6) thrombophlebitis
7) patient prone to hemorrhage
8) pregnancy

Question 3

Thermotherapy Precautions

Answer 3

1) decreased sensation
2) circulatory impairment
3) mature scar
4) poor cognition
5) pediatrics and geriatrics
6) chronically inflamed joints
7) Edema
8) Cardiac insufficiency- may not tolerate increase in cardiac demand
9) Metal implants: internal bleeding
10) over areas where topical counterirritants have recently been applied