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Comprehensive Guide to Methods of Heat Production in Physical Therapy

Learn about reflex heating techniques, wax application methods, hydrotherapy benefits, and more. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of heated pads, packs, and fluidotherapy for effective heat therapy treatments.

jenniferkelly
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Comprehensive Guide to Methods of Heat Production in Physical Therapy

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  1. Methods of Heat Production

  2. Reflex heating • Shoulder (proximal)  vasodilation • Hand (distal)  vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation

  3. Methods of Application • Wax • Heated pads & packs • Hydrotherapy • Heated air • Fluidotherapy • Contrast bath

  4. Wax • Restricted to extremities • Melted to allow subject to dip in • Melting point 54°C (S.H. of wax<water) • Mineral oil added • Thermostatically controlled bath (42-50°C)

  5. Wax • First layer as insulator to prevent heat loss • Solidification of wax  small imparted to tissue • Wax is a well insulated, low temperature method of tissue heating • Higher temperature for upper extremities • Lower temperature for lower extremities • Before application inspect the area for contraindications, wash & dry

  6. Methods of Wax Application • Dip and rap method (used for extremities) • Part immersed for a second then withdrawn and allowed to cool for 2-3 seconds then re-immersed, & this is repeated 6 – 12 times • Coating 2 – 3 mm • Put the part in towel • Elevate the limb • Apply for 15 minutes

  7. Methods of Wax Application • Dip and leave method • Build a layer of wax • Leave the part in wax bath for 15 – 20 minutes • Increases the temperature more than other method

  8. Other Methods of Wax Application • A brush can be used • Bandage soaked in wax and wrapped • Ladling Wax keeps the skin moist and soft

  9. Contraindications • Open wounds • Allergy • Inflammation • Pieces of dirt  might cause infection • Skin condition like dermatitis

  10. Advantages • Maintain good contact with the contoured area • Easy to use • Inexpensive • Body part can be elevated if using dip & wrap • Oil lubricates and conditions the skin • Can be used at home

  11. Disadvantages • Time consuming to apply • Can not be used over open wounds • Risk of cross-contamination if paraffin is re-used

  12. Heated Pads & Packs • Provides heat for small areas Hydrocollated pads • Various sized for different areas of the body • Consist of silicate gel • Placed in special tank of water (hydrocollater)

  13. Heated Pads & Packs • Pack supported on racks in the tank • Temperature of water 70 - 75°C • Wrapped with toweling (Terry towel) • Applied for 20 minutes (15 – 20 minutes) • If the pack wasn’t in the tank before  put in the tank for 2 hours before using • Between uses  30 minutes in the tank

  14. Heated Pads & Packs • Other types: • Kenny pack • Mud pack • Electrical heated pack (small blanket size)

  15. Advantages of Heated Pads & Packs • Easy to use • Inexpensive material • Short use of clinician’s time • Low level of skill needed for application • Can be used to cover moderate to large areas • Safe • Can be used at home

  16. Disadvantages of Heated Pads & Packs • Must be moved during treatment time • May not be able to maintain good contact with small areas • Active motion not practical during treatment • Moderately expensive equipment

  17. Hydrotherapy • Use warm water for swimming and exercising  more therapeutic effect • Whirlpool path of various sizes • Small to accommodate one limb • Large to allow patient to sit in it • Turbulence produced by electric pump or compressed air which mixes air in water into a jet steam

  18. Hydrotherapy • Causes analgesic effect • Temperature 36 - 41°C • Anti-bacterial agent added to water (e.g. sodium hydrochloride 1-120 dilution) • Followed by exercise with elevation • Applied for 20 minutes • If applied for long time  cause wrinkling of the skin

  19. Heated Air • Mixture of air and vapor as hot air baths • Small hot air cabinets • Small hand held fan heaters (open wounds as bed sores) • Cabinet for whole body • Temperature of cabinet 70°C

  20. Advantages • Possible to move treated part during treatment • Lack of contact with wet materials

  21. Fluidotherapy • Form of dry heating • Produce fluid like mixture into which distal part of limb immersed in the box • Cellulose particles made of corn cobs • Open wounds must be covered to prevent powder covering • Temperature 38 – 45 °C • Application for 20 minutes

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