thermotherapy Flashcards
what are the different types of thermotherapy?
moist hot pack (hydrocollator) warm whirlpool paraffin fluidotherapy contrast bath heat lamps topical
what are the 5 mechanisms of heat transfer?
conduction convection radiation conversion evaporation
what type of therapy is direct contact with the skin and can be heat or cold?
conduction
what are examples of conduction?
hydrocollator packs
paraffin bath
what is convection?
air or water particles move across the body part causing heating or cooling
what are examples of convection
whirlpool
fluidotherapy
what is the transfer of heat from a warmer surface to a cooler surface through air or vacuum and what is an example?
radiation; heat lamps (infrared)
what is heat generated from another energy form?
conversion
what are examples of conversion?
ultrasound
diathermy
what 2 things make deep heating difficult?
subcutaneous fat and skin pain
what are 4 indications of thermotherapy?
pain relief- pain gating, counterirritation
calming/sedating effect
spasm reduction
increased mobility- osteoarthritis, RA
what can be beneficial in the treatment of LBP?
long duration, low level heat
what may reduce myofascial pain?
shorter duration moist heat
what are the contraindications
areas of impaired heat sensation malignancy thrombophlebitis hemorrhage pregnancy- ab, LB, pelvis acute inflammation confused, unreliable patients
what are hydrocollator packs made of?
canvas pouches containing silicate gel
what is the appropriate temperature of the hydrocollator?
158-169 degrees farenheit
how many layers of towels are needed with hydrocollator packs?
6-8 layers or 4 with terry cover
how long should a hydrocollator pack be used for treatment?
20 minutes
what is the appropriate temperature for a warm whirlpool?
86-100 degree farenheit
what is the treatment time for the warm whirlpool?
10-45 minutes
temperature of water for whirlpool must be ____ if the size of the body part is _____
lower; bigger
additional contraindications for whirlpool?
incontinence
fever
MS
1st tri of pregnancy
what is used for soaking the perianal/ anal area for pain or itching; hemorrhoids?
sitz bath; 72-100 degrees
what is the ratio needed for the paraffin bath and what temperature is used?
6:1 paraffin/mineral oil
124-129 degrees F
how many times do you dip with paraffin tx and what is the treatment time?
6-10 times dipping
30 minute treatment time
what is different about paraffin immersion vs paraffin dipping?
on the 10th time dipping leave the extremity in the bath for the remainder of the treatment
what is a dry cellulose heated to 110-126 degrees F then blown around a chamber by fans?
fluidotherapy
what is the treatment time for fluidotherapy?
30 minutes
what is the treatment time for infrared lamp?
15-20 min
the amount of heat needed for infrared lamp depends on:
length of time exposed
distance from the bulb
angle from perpendicular
output of bulb
the intensity varies with the inverse square of the distance between the bulb and skin, this is called?
inverse square law
examples of inverse square law
change from 20cm to 10cm= 1/2 distance
inverse of 1/2= 2
square of 2=4
therefore 4x more heat needed with 1/2 the perpendicular distance
intensity of heat decreases with change from perpendicular, what law is this?
cosine law- rotate 30 degrees from perpendicular
cosine of 30 degrees =86
therefore intensity of heat at 30 degree is 86% of original intensity
when is a contrast bath used?
in the subacute phase
what treatment is used to allow transition from cold modalities to warm modalities and isn’t good for swelling?
contrast bath
what is the time for contrast bath?
1-4 min for 1st
1-4 min for 2nd
alternate for 20-30 min
end with cold when needing _____ and end with hot when needing ______
vasoconstriction; vasodilation
