Thermotherapy Flashcards
Introduction
Thermotherapy or heat application is used as?
Thermotherapy or heat application is used as a universal treatment for pain and discomfort
Introduction
Much of its benefit?
Much of its benefit occurs because heat simply feels good
Introduction
In the acute phase of injury?
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
Introduction
Applications of heat?
There are both electrotherapeutic and non-electrotherapeutic applications of heat
Introduction
Primary goals and physiological affects of heat application:
- 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
Introduction
The body’s response to heat depends on?
- the type of heat applied
- the depth in which the heat can penetrate
- the duration of the application
- the intensity of the heat application
Modes of Heat Transfer
Heat is an energy form which increases molecular activity by the following:
- conduction
- convection
- radiation
- conversion
Conduction
What is it?
Conduction is heating through direct contact with another cooler object/medium
Conduction
Examples of this?
Examples of this transmission of thermal energy include:
* Moist hot packs
* Paraffin wax baths
* Electric heating pads
Convection
What is it?
Convection is the transfer of heat through a liquid or gas
Convection
How does it work?
The heated liquid or gas moves over/around the cooler object
Convection
Example
The best example of this is a whirlpool
Radiation
What is it?
Radiation is the transfer of heat through space from one object to another. There is no direct contact between the objects
Radiation
Examples of this?
Examples of this modality are the diathermy units
Radiation
What also occurs during radiation?
Heat loss also occurs through radiation
Conversion
What is it?
Conversion is heating through other forms of energy
Conversion
What is often utilized?
Sound, electricity and chemical agents are often utilized
Conversion
What do chemical agents include?
Chemical agents include liniments and balms (counter irritant on sensory nerves)
Conversion
Electrical energy can be transformed into?
Electrical energy can be transformed into high frequency sound waves resulting in thermal energy (ultrasound)
Modes of Application
Modes of Application:
- Wet heat (hot pack, whirlpool)
- Dry heat (heat lamp)
- Superfiical heat (liniments, balms, whirlpool)
- Deep heat (exercise, ultrasound)
Precautions and Contraindications to Cryotherapy and Thermotherapy
What are they?
- 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
