Thermotherapy, Cryotherapy Flashcards
Indications for thermotherapy?
Decrease pain
Decrease muscle spasm
OA
RA
Contraindications for thermotherapy?
Areas of impaired heat sensation Malignancy Thrombophlebitis Hemorrhage Abdomen, pelvis, LB in pregancy Acute inflammation/inflammatory conditions Confused and unreliable patients
Precautions for thermotherapy?
Impaired circulation Over wounds Severe cardiac insufficiency Over superficial metal implants May cause decreased motor skill and reaction time Can increase fever
Methods of thermotherapy?
Hydrocollator packs (moist) Paraffin bath (moist) Infrared lamp (dry) Warm whirlpool (moist) Fluidotherapy (dry) Contrast bath
What are hydrocollator packs best used for?
Chronic condition
*any- never lay on it
What are paraffin baths best used for?
Joint stiffness of hands or feet (OA)
*distal extremities
What are infrared lamps best used for?
Skin conditions or sensitive skin
*superficial regions
What are warm whirlpools best used for?
Chronic conditions
Heat plus active movement
Heat large body areas
*any area (mostly limbs)
What is fluidotherapy best used for?
Chronic conditions
Heat plus active movement of the limb
*limbs
What is contrast bath best used for?
Sub acute or chronic pain
*any area
Layers for hydrocollator packs?
6-8 layers of towels
Terry cloth cover= 4 layers
Layers for paraffin?
1st layer= no cracks or air bubbles
7-10 layers each one more distal, wrap with plastic bag and towel
Distance for infrared lamp?
18-20 in perpendicular to skin
Temperature for warm whirlpool?
Larger the area= lower the temp
Treatment time for thermotherapy?
Hydrocollator pack= 15-20min Paraffin= 30min Infrared= 15-20min Warm whirlpool= 15-20min Fluidotherapy= 15-20min Contrast bath= 15-20min
Cautions with warm whirlpool?
Avoid body immersion for MS, fever, incontinence, pregnancy
Indications for cryotherapy?
Relieve or decrease pain
Decrease blood flow/metabolism
Protect injured tissue
Decrease muscle spasm
Contraindications for cryotherapy?
Impaired cold sensation Cold induced urticaria Raynaud's disease Cryoglobulinemia Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria Open wounds Peripheral vascular disease Confused and unreliable patients
Precautions for cryotherapy?
Impaired circulation Thoracic area in patients with CAD Hypertensive patients Cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory disorders (monitor BP) Superficial peripheral nerves Hemiplegic Very young, very old Obesity
Is it safe to do cryo on the knee of someone with Raynaud’s?
Yes, just not the fingers or toes
What should be done first before beginning any sort of cryotherapy?
Ice cube test- rub ice cube on skin 2-3 min, check for allergic reaction
Check patient’s circulation by compressing nail bed and watching refill
What is ice massage best used for?
Superficial areas Boney prominence Tendon areas Small areas *plantar fasciitis
What is ice bath best used for?
Distal extremity
What is a gel pack best used for?
Anywhere- always wrap a wet towel around pack
Do NOT compress gel packs
What is an ice bag best used for?
Anywhere
Fill half full with ice, and suck all air out
Treatment time for cryotherapy?
Ice massage: 5-10 or until numb (no more than 10)
Ice bath: 15-20 min; sit for first 5, active ROM last 15min
Gel/ice pack: 15-20min
