Thermotherapy

Question 1

How is heat transferred?

Answer 1

Heat is transferred by radiation, conduction or
convection.

Question 2

What are the therapeutic effects of thermotherapy? 7

Answer 2

1. Pain relief
2. Reduce spasm & spasticity
3. Promote healing
4. Resolution of chronic oedema
5. Increase joint range.
6. Prophylaxis of pressure sores - increased blood flow to pressure areas reduces the risk of skin breakdown.
7. Dry heating reduces infection

Question 3

What are the CI to thermotherapy? 10

Answer 3

1. Over acute injuries or haemorrhagic areas
2. Immediately after the administration of analgesia.
3. Areas of gross oedema thin skin
4. Over anaesthetized areas/ areas of impaired sensation.
5. Areas of inadequate blood supply.•
6. Over malignant areas.
7. Over thrombophlebitic areas may dislodge the thrombus.
8. To the abdominal, pelvic & lower back area of pregnant
   women.
9. Over gonads.
10. Unreliable patients.

Question 4

What are the dangers and precautions to thermotherapy? 6

Answer 4

1. Burns overdose & contraindications not properly established.
2. Superficial metal implants.
3. Open or closed wounds (over the dressings).
4. Cardiac insufficiency.
5. Dermatological conditions.
6. Don’t let them fall asleep.