Thermotherapy, hot and cold combo, counterirratants

Question 1

Should you put heat on an acute injury?

Answer 1

no

Question 2

What is the number one reason for using modalities?

Answer 2

decrease pain

Question 3

What are some indications of using thermo stuff?

Answer 3

subacute and chronic inflammatory conditions
subacute of chronic pain
subacute edema removal
decreased ROM
resolution of swelling
myofascial trigger points
muscle guarding
muscle spasm
strains, sprains, and contusions

Question 4

What are some responses to thermotherapy?

Answer 4

increased circulation, cell permeability, skin nutrition, connective tissue elasticity, and metabolism
hyperemia
oxygen delivery causes analgesia, muscle spasm relaxation, and decreased spascity
stimulus threshold becomes sensitive

Question 5

What can metabolites do?

Answer 5

increasse intravascular hydrostatic pressure, capillary blood flow, may increase swelling if not used correctly

Question 6

What are some thermotherapy agents?

Answer 6

hydrocullator pack
warm gel pack
warm whirlpool
electric heating pack
diathermies
parafin bathes
infrared heat lamps

Question 7

What are the parameters for a hydroculator pack?

Answer 7

water should be 160-170 degrees
6 layers should be used
clean periodically
gel inside pack may be an irratant

Question 8

What should the water temp be for an upper extremity whirlpool?

Answer 8

98-108 degrees

Question 9

What should the water temp be for a full body whirlpool?

Answer 9

98-102 degrees

Question 10

What is the treatment time for a whirlpool?

Answer 10

15-20 minutes

Question 11

What is a parafin bath?

Answer 11

mixture of parafin wax and mineral oil

Question 12

What is the main use for a parafin bath?

Answer 12

provides relief from dry skin as well as healing effects. Also makes skin softer so you can get more flexibilty

Question 13

What is the procedure for a parafin bath?

Answer 13

dip area into the bath six times
cover with plastic bag then toweling
peel off glove and replace in bath
lasts about 20-30 minutes

Question 14

What are the parameters for an infrared lamp?

Answer 14

Patient positioned 20 inches from light

20 minutes of treatment time

Question 15

How does fluidotherapy work?

Answer 15

Heat finely ground corn to 115 degrees and it blows around inside the machine for 20 minutes

Question 16

What are contraindications for thermotherapy?

Answer 16

acute musculoskeletal and inflammatory injuries
impaired circulation
PVD
CAD
skin anesthesia
tumors (malignant)
hemorrhagic area
over abdominal, pelvic, or low back of pregnant ladies
confused patients
open wounds
edema

Question 17

What are contrast bathes used for?

Answer 17

DOMS

sub-acute swelling

Question 18

What are the responses to contrast bathes?

Answer 18

reduction of necrotic cells (decrease in edema)
pain relief or spasm relief
desensitization of tissue

Question 19

What are the parameters for a contrast bath?

Answer 19

3:1 or 4:1 hot to cold ratio
16-20 minutes
cold temp: 50-60 degrees
hot temp: 104-106 degrees
end with treatment that is most useful to patient
check swelling

Question 20

What are some active ingredients of counterirratants?

Answer 20

menthol
methyl salicylate
camphor
capsaicin

Question 21

How do counterirratants work?

Answer 21

cause sensory receptors to fire (only superficial effects)

Question 22

Do counterirratants work?

Answer 22

no, doesn’t get deep pain. more beneficial to massage with stuff then the actual stuff (placebo effect)