Therapeutic Modalities Superficial Heat 10 mm below surface

Therapeutic Modalities

Superficial Heat • 10 mm below surface • Hydrocollator pack • Infrared lamp • Paraffin bath

Hydrocollator Pack • • • Canvas bag with silica gel or sand Heated to 170 Place towels between pack and skin Use for 20 minutes Not for areas with impaired skin or circulation

Infrared Heat • No pressure on body • Use for 20 minutes • Not for areas with impaired skin or circulation

Paraffin Bath • 1 part liquid petroleum to 7 parts paraffin • 125 -130 degrees • Mostly for hands and feet • Not for areas with impaired sin or circulation

Deep Heat • • 30 -50 mm below the skin Diathermy: Microwave or shortwave generator Ultrasound

Diathermy • Deep heating by electromagnetic or mechanical waves

Microwaves • Hold director perpendicular to the treated part • Skin must be clean and dry to prevent burns • Use for no more than 20 minutes • Do not use in presence of pacemaker

Shortwaves • Protect skin with towels • Do not use near metal implants or pacemakers • Do not use with impaired skin or circulation

Ultrasound • Fine vibrations caused by sound generate heat • Must use oil on skin under transducer that transmits soundwave

Hydrotherapy • Whirlpool • Hubbard tank • Therapeutic pool

Whirlpool • 98 -104 degrees • Massages skin • Dilates blood vessels • Relieves pain • Use for 20 minutes

Hubbard Tank • Large whirlpool shaped like a whole body • Used for debridement of large areas

Therapeutic Pool • 98 degrees • Inclining bottom with deep and shallow ends • Used to strengthen legs and assist with ambulation

Cold Therapy • Ice packs • K-pads – circulating water • 10 -15 minutes • Reduce swelling, inflammation and spasticity

Side Effects • Both heat and cold can cause erythema • Heat: increase circulation, reduce inflammation and pain • Cold: decrease circulation, swelling and pain