Methods of Heat Production

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Methods of Heat Production
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• Reflex heating
• Shoulder (proximal) ? vasodilation
• Hand (distal) ? vasoconstriction followed by
  vasodilation

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Methods of Application

1. Wax
2. Heated pads packs
3. Hydrotherapy
4. Heated air
5. Fluidotherapy
6. Contrast bath

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Wax

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

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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

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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• Part immersed for a second then withdrawn and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

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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

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Other Methods of Wax Application

• A brush can be used
• Bandage soaked in wax and wrapped
• Ladling
• Wax keeps the skin moist and soft

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Contraindications

• Open wounds
• Allergy
• Inflammation
• Pieces of dirt ? might cause infection
• Skin condition like dermatitis

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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

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Disadvantages

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

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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)

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Heated Pads Packs

• Pack supported on racks in the tank
• Temperature of water 70 - 75C
• Wrapped with toweling (Terry towel)
• Applied for 20 minutes (15 20 minutes)
• If the pack wasnt in the tank before ? put in
  the tank for 2 hours before using
• Between uses ? 30 minutes in the tank

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Heated Pads Packs

• Other types
• Kenny pack
• Mud pack
• Electrical heated pack (small? blanket size)

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Advantages of Heated Pads Packs

• Easy to use
• Inexpensive material
• Short use of clinicians time
• Low level of skill needed for application
• Can be used to cover moderate to large areas
• Safe
• Can be used at home

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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

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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

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Hydrotherapy

• Causes analgesic effect
• Temperature 36 - 41C
• 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

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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 70C

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Advantages

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

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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