HOT/HEAT (THERMOTHREAPY) Therapy
Thermotherapy is the application of heat delivered through a variety of sources that produce electromagnetic waves within the infrared spectrum. Heat can be delivered via radiation (transferred through space such as a heat lamp), conduction (transferred via direct contact of the heat source with the skin (hot pack or heating pad), or convection (transferred by movement of warmed matter such as whirlpool therapy). The infrared waves produced by these thermotherapy agents are absorbed in the skin and deeper tissues have heat transferred to them via compression and conduction.
The effects of heat application (hot physical therapy) depend on increasing the temperature of the targeted tissue to a level of 41°C to 45°C (106°F to 133°F) in order to produce physiological responses sufficient to achieve therapeutic results. In general, this degree of temperature is achieved in 8 to 10 minutes. The physiological effects in the heat-absorbed tissues include:
- Increased metabolism, oxygen tension, and vasodilation for enhanced delivery of oxygen and nutrients to healing tissues
- Muscle relaxation via inhibitory effects on muscle spindles and stimulatory effects on Golgi tendon organs
- Pain relief via the gate control theory of pain management and the inhibition of nociceptive signals in the spinal cord, and the sedation of sensory nerve endings
- Increased connective tissue extensibility when used in conjunction with stretching exercises
Indications for Use of Thermotherapy
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Indication for Use |
Rationale |
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Chronic Conditions – low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. |
Pain is relieved at trigger points, reduced muscle stiffness, greater flexibility, enhanced grip strength, improved musculoskeletal functioning |
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Common Soft Tissue Pathologies – strain, sprain, dislocation/subluxation, contusion |
Enhanced blood flow and oxygen and nutrient delivery and reduced pain sensation, greater range of motion |
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Chronic Inflammation Cumulative Trauma Syndromes – tendinitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis |
Lower levels of pain and increased range of motion, greater flexibility and improved musculoskeletal functioning |
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Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
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Lower levels of pain, increased range of motion, more flexibility, reduced disability |
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Musculoskeletal contracture and scar formation |
Increased soft tissue extensibility
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In preparation for therapeutic exercise or manual therapy technique application |
Warms the tissue for enhanced extensibility and ease of fluid movement while providing a pain reducing effect |
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Prior to electrical stimulation application |
Stimulation of perspiration will decrease skin impedance and improve electrical conductivity of the skin |
Contraindications or Precautions to the Use of Thermotherapy
- Areas with acute inflammation: The heat induced increased blood flow may aggravate the inflammation and edema
- Malignancies: May lead to metastasis of the tumor due to increased blood flow
- Following denervation or surgical repair: May affect vessel dilation due to damaged neural control
- Thrombophlebitis: May increase blood flow sufficient to dislodge clot
- Areas of sensory loss: Sensory impairment dulls sensitivity making sensation of excessive heat less than normal
- Current Fever: May further increase body temperature if the application of additional heat triggers the central mechanisms to dissipate heat
- Superficial metal implant: If thermal transfer is excessive it may heat the metal and cause a burn
General Use Guidelines for Thermotherapy
- Metal/jewelry should be removed from site of treatment
- Check patient’s temperature sensation in the area to be heated
- Check patient’s skin integrity before application
- Periodically observe patient’s condition after heating is initiated
Different Application Devices for Thermotherapy
- Dry heat therapy
- Hot packs
- Air-activated heat wrap
- Whirlpool
- Paraffin bath
ProHealthcareProducts.com carries several different types of heat therapy treatments, including hot paraffin wax baths, hot packs, and other creative solutions for applying heat to a medical condition.