HYDROCOLLATOR PACKS

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HYDROCOLLATOR PACKS

• The hydro-collator unit is a stainless steel tank
  in which silica gel packs are heated.
• The capacities of the machines vary, and all
  units have insulated bases, the larger machines
  being insulated with fiberglass.
• The units contain a wire rack which acts as
  divider for the packs and prevents contact of
  packs with the bottom of the tank.
• The heater is thermostatically controlled and
  maintains water in the unit at a temperature
  between 76C and 80C.
• It can be left on continuously as long as there
  is enough water in the tank.

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A Hydro collator Pack

• A hydro collator pack is a fabric envelope
  containing silica gel.
• The main property of the gel is its capability to
  absorb many times its own volume of water and
  when heated, to give moist heat for 30 to 40
  minutes. The packs are heated in a hydro-collator
  unit.
• Packs come in various sizes and shapes
• The packs last about six months.
• When they begin to wear out the filler leaks out
  and makes the water cloudy they should then be
  replaced.

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• A special collar pattern pack for the neck is
  usually available.
• The packs are wrapped in
• Turkish towels
• Special terry cloth blankets. ( absorbent)
• Large packs may be wrapped in bath blankets

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• Hydrocollator packs are used to give gentle moist
  heat to superficial regions of the body,
• The part selected to be treated must be able to
  tolerate the pressure of the pack (approximately
  500 to 800 grams) and to tolerate a 7 C to 10C
  rise in temperature.
• It is also necessary to ensure that the
  circulation can dissipate heat and that skin
  sensation responses to thermal differences are
  normal as it is easy to produce a burn.
• The pack retains its heat for 30 minutes but
  after 10 minutes, the patient may regard the pack
  as cool and comfortable.
• Nevertheless, the rise in temperature of the
  region under pack averages 5C.
• The pack is applied to the body after being
  wrapped adequately in toweling or blankets. Care
  must be taken to have a layer of toweling and to
  avoid excessive pressure by weight being placed
  on bony points.

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Biological Effects of Hydro-collator Packs

• Heat production
• Temperature Elevation
• Skin Tolerance
• Thermal gradient in the tissues
• Skin temperature
• Subcutaneous tissue and muscles temperature
• Hyperemia
• Sedative Effects
• Muscle Spindle
• Small myelinated c nerve fibers

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Indications for Hydrocollator Packs

• Pain and muscle spasm.
• Inflammation.
• Oedema.
• Adhesions.

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Contra-indications for Hydrocollator Packs

1. Impaired Skin Sensation
2. Circulatory dysfunction
3. Analgesic drugs
4. Infections and open wounds
5. Cancer and Tuberculosis
6. Gross Oedema
7. Lack of Comprehension
8. Deep X-Ray Therapy
9. Liniment

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Advantages

1. A hydro-collator pack is easy to apply it saves
   time for personnel and is efficient in heat
   conduction depending on the area treated.
2. The packs are of various sizes which fit most
   clinical needs.
3. Moist heat has a more sedative effect than dry
   heat.
4. Maximal temperatures are more uniform than in
   electrically-heated pads.
5. The patient does not need much handling.
6. The pads can be laid out ready for the patient to
   place on the affected part.

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Disadvantages

1. A hydro-collator pack is not easily applied
   around shoulders and hips. It is somewhat heavy
   and should not be used on extremely sensitive
   patients, since it can create discomfort.
2. Sometimes moist packs have a tendency to cause a
   skin rash.