Basics of Thermotherapy
Indications
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Decreasing general soreness
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Preparing soft tissues for stretch, joint mobs
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Promote relaxation
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Facilitate connective tissue stretching
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Targeted blood flow increase
Contraindications
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Acute injury (48-72 hours)
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Impaired circulation
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Impaired sensation
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Thrombophlebitis
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Impaired mentation
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Malignant tumor
Precautions
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Pregnancy
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Poor thermal regulation
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Edema
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Cardiac insufficiency
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Metal in the area
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Over an open wound
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Demyelinated nerves
Complications
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Burns
Parameters:
Hot Packs
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Layers: 6-8 layers of towels (Hot Pack covers = 2 layers)
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Treatment Time: 20 minutes
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Hydrocollator Temperature:160° F
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Hot pack prep time: 120 min required for initial use, 30 minutes to reheat
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Patient Position: Prone for decreased heat transfer, supine for increased heat transfer
Paraffin Bath
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Layers: 6-10 layers
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Treatment Time: 20 minutes
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Paraffin temperature: 118-130°F
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Types:
Dip wrap– 6-10 layers of paraffin then the extremity is wrapped in a plastic bag, then towels to insulate
Dip-reimmerse– after the glove is formed, reimmerse in the paraffin bath and leave there for the duration of the treatment
Infrared Lamp
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Increases skin temp: 5-10°C
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Penetrates: 1 cm
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Lamp Position: 50-75 cm away and perpendicular to treating surface
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Treatment time: 10-30 minutes
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Only comfortable warmth should be felt