Thermotherapy

Question 1

Introduction

Thermotherapy or heat application is used as?

Answer 1

Thermotherapy or heat application is used as a universal treatment for pain and discomfort

Question 2

Introduction

Much of its benefit?

Answer 2

Much of its benefit occurs because heat simply feels good

Question 3

Introduction

In the acute phase of injury?

Answer 3

In the acute phase of injury, heat must be used carefully because it causes increased capillary blood pressure and cellular permeability which causes further accumulation of swelling

Question 4

Introduction

Applications of heat?

Answer 4

There are both electrotherapeutic and non-electrotherapeutic applications of heat

Question 5

Introduction

Primary goals and physiological affects of heat application:

Answer 5

• decrease pain
• an increase in the extensibility of collagen (scar tissue)
• an increase in blood flow
• a decrease in tissue stiffness
• a decrease in muscle spasm
• a decrease in swelling/edema in the sub-acute phase

Question 6

Introduction

The body’s response to heat depends on?

Answer 6

• the type of heat applied
• the depth in which the heat can penetrate
• the duration of the application
• the intensity of the heat application

Question 7

Modes of Heat Transfer

Heat is an energy form which increases molecular activity by the following:

Answer 7

• conduction
• convection
• radiation
• conversion

Question 8

Conduction

What is it?

Answer 8

Conduction is heating through direct contact with another cooler object/medium

Question 9

Conduction

Examples of this?

Answer 9

Examples of this transmission of thermal energy include:
* Moist hot packs
* Paraffin wax baths
* Electric heating pads

Question 10

Convection

What is it?

Answer 10

Convection is the transfer of heat through a liquid or gas

Question 11

Convection

How does it work?

Answer 11

The heated liquid or gas moves over/around the cooler object

Question 12

Convection

Example

Answer 12

The best example of this is a whirlpool

Question 13

Radiation

What is it?

Answer 13

Radiation is the transfer of heat through space from one object to another. There is no direct contact between the objects

Question 14

Radiation

Examples of this?

Answer 14

Examples of this modality are the diathermy units

Question 15

Radiation

What also occurs during radiation?

Answer 15

Heat loss also occurs through radiation

Question 16

Conversion

What is it?

Answer 16

Conversion is heating through other forms of energy

Question 17

Conversion

What is often utilized?

Answer 17

Sound, electricity and chemical agents are often utilized

Question 18

Conversion

What do chemical agents include?

Answer 18

Chemical agents include liniments and balms (counter irritant on sensory nerves)

Question 19

Conversion

Electrical energy can be transformed into?

Answer 19

Electrical energy can be transformed into high frequency sound waves resulting in thermal energy (ultrasound)

Question 20

Modes of Application

Modes of Application:

Answer 20

• Wet heat (hot pack, whirlpool)
• Dry heat (heat lamp)
• Superfiical heat (liniments, balms, whirlpool)
• Deep heat (exercise, ultrasound)

Question 21

Precautions and Contraindications to Cryotherapy and Thermotherapy

What are they?

Answer 21

• Watch for high blood pressure/cardiac disease as people with these are more sensitive to heat intolerances
• Skin conditions/infections may get worse
• Age - very young or elderly do not thermoregulate well
• Sensory impairment - the patient will not be able to determine the heat or cold level and can be burnt or frostbitten
• Open wounds - heat will cause sweating which may enter the wound and infection may occur
• In the presence of established infections - the infection may be spread by stimulating circulation
• Mental illness or senility - the patient may not be able to communicate the heat or cold levels or may not understand your instructions
• Conditions of circulatory impairment - blood flow to an area may be stimulated but the vessels are unable to carry the extra flow or there may not be enough blood flow through the area to dissipate the heat/cold (diabetics, Raynaud’s Disease)
• Collagen disease - rheumatoid conditions may increase symptoms (cold application)
• Heat should be used with caution during acute inflammation. This is normally the period of active swelling