Methods of Heat Methods of Heat ProductionProduction

Methods of Heat Methods of Heat ProductionProduction

Reflex heating

Shoulder (proximal) vasodilationHand (distal) vasoconstriction

followed by vasodilation

Methods of Application1. Wax2. Heated pads & packs3. Hydrotherapy4. Heated air5. Fluidotherapy 6. Contrast bath

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)

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

Methods of Wax Application

1. 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Part immersed for a second then withdrawn and allowed to cool for 2-3 seconds then re-immersed, & this is repeated 6 – 12 times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

Methods of Wax Application

2. 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

Other Methods of Wax Application

A brush can be used Bandage soaked in wax and

wrapped Ladling

Wax keeps the skin moist and soft

Contraindications

Open wounds Allergy Inflammation Pieces of dirt might cause

infection Skin condition like dermatitis

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

Disadvantages

Time consuming to apply Can not be used over open

wounds Risk of cross-contamination if

paraffin is re-used

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)

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

Heated Pads & Packs

Other types: Kenny pack Mud pack Electrical heated pack (small

blanket size)

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

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

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

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

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

Advantages

Possible to move treated part during treatment

Lack of contact with wet materials

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