Thermotherapy, Cryotherapy

Question 1

Indications for thermotherapy?

Answer 1

Decrease pain
Decrease muscle spasm
OA
RA

Question 2

Contraindications for thermotherapy?

Answer 2

Areas of impaired heat sensation
Malignancy
Thrombophlebitis
Hemorrhage
Abdomen, pelvis, LB in pregancy
Acute inflammation/inflammatory conditions
Confused and unreliable patients

Question 3

Precautions for thermotherapy?

Answer 3

Impaired circulation
Over wounds
Severe cardiac insufficiency
Over superficial metal implants
May cause decreased motor skill and reaction time
Can increase fever

Question 4

Methods of thermotherapy?

Answer 4

Hydrocollator packs (moist)
Paraffin bath (moist)
Infrared lamp (dry)
Warm whirlpool (moist)
Fluidotherapy (dry)
Contrast bath

Question 5

What are hydrocollator packs best used for?

Answer 5

Chronic condition

*any- never lay on it

Question 6

What are paraffin baths best used for?

Answer 6

Joint stiffness of hands or feet (OA)

*distal extremities

Question 7

What are infrared lamps best used for?

Answer 7

Skin conditions or sensitive skin

*superficial regions

Question 8

What are warm whirlpools best used for?

Answer 8

Chronic conditions
Heat plus active movement
Heat large body areas
*any area (mostly limbs)

Question 9

What is fluidotherapy best used for?

Answer 9

Chronic conditions
Heat plus active movement of the limb
*limbs

Question 10

What is contrast bath best used for?

Answer 10

Sub acute or chronic pain

*any area

Question 11

Layers for hydrocollator packs?

Answer 11

6-8 layers of towels

Terry cloth cover= 4 layers

Question 12

Layers for paraffin?

Answer 12

1st layer= no cracks or air bubbles

7-10 layers each one more distal, wrap with plastic bag and towel

Question 13

Distance for infrared lamp?

Answer 13

18-20 in perpendicular to skin

Question 14

Temperature for warm whirlpool?

Answer 14

Larger the area= lower the temp

Question 15

Treatment time for thermotherapy?

Answer 15

Hydrocollator pack= 15-20min
Paraffin= 30min
Infrared= 15-20min
Warm whirlpool= 15-20min
Fluidotherapy= 15-20min
Contrast bath= 15-20min

Question 16

Cautions with warm whirlpool?

Answer 16

Avoid body immersion for MS, fever, incontinence, pregnancy

Question 17

Indications for cryotherapy?

Answer 17

Relieve or decrease pain
Decrease blood flow/metabolism
Protect injured tissue
Decrease muscle spasm

Question 18

Contraindications for cryotherapy?

Answer 18

Impaired cold sensation
Cold induced urticaria
Raynaud's disease
Cryoglobulinemia
Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria
Open wounds
Peripheral vascular disease
Confused and unreliable patients

Question 19

Precautions for cryotherapy?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Is it safe to do cryo on the knee of someone with Raynaud’s?

Answer 20

Yes, just not the fingers or toes

Question 21

What should be done first before beginning any sort of cryotherapy?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

What is ice massage best used for?

Answer 22

Superficial areas
Boney prominence
Tendon areas
Small areas
*plantar fasciitis

Question 23

What is ice bath best used for?

Answer 23

Distal extremity

Question 24

What is a gel pack best used for?

Answer 24

Anywhere- always wrap a wet towel around pack

Do NOT compress gel packs

Question 25

What is an ice bag best used for?

Answer 25

Anywhere

Fill half full with ice, and suck all air out

Question 26

Treatment time for cryotherapy?

Answer 26

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