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How does heat reduce muscle tension?
it promotes muscle relaxation, and decreases pain caused by spasm or stiffness
This type of heat therapy device consists of distilled water being heated and circulated by an electrical control unit, known as a K-pad or aquapad, commonly used for muscle sprains and areas of mild inflammation or edema, can be used dry or moist.
aquathermia pad
This type of heat therapy device treats painful arthritis of hands and feet with penetrating heat therapy, it consists of warmed mixture of heated wax and mineral oil.
paraffin wax
What is the purpose of dry heat therapy and some examples?
increase blood flow to tissues, decreased chance of injury compared to moist heat
examples: commercially prepared hot packs, electric heating pads
What are patient instructions for heat therapy?
-heat should be warm but not uncomfortable-report any discomfort immediately- dont place hands/fingers under heating device- immediately report any sensation changes that occur during treatment- do not change temperature settings- do not move the heating device- do not lie on or sleep with the heating device on
What does heat therapy usually require and what does it consist of?
area to be treated, type of treatment, and frequency and duration of application
This type of heat therapy device are packs that are hit or kneaded to mix chemicals that release heat and delivery dry heat to injured area.
chemical hot packs
How long and what temperature should heat therapy be applied for?
100-115 F
on for 20-30 minutes, then off 20-30 minutes
This type of heat therapy device is a warm moist pack (dampened towel or gauze)
What is purpose of "moist heat" and some examples?
increases muscle and ligament flexibility relieving spasms, joint stiffness, pain
examples are warm compresses, warm baths, sitz baths
What is vasodilation and which therapy causes it?
increase of diameter of a blood vessel, increases blood flow to a certain body part to deliver nutrients and remove waste, heat therapy
What is heat therapy usually used for?
general comfort, speeding the healing process, musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis, joint diseases, low back pain
What are safety measures to take while using heat therapy?
assessing skin frequently (especially patients with decreased sensation), do not use safety pins to hold pad in place, inspect equipment before use, dont allow pts to adjust temp, and use right temp and length of time its applied
What are contraindications for heat?
Any bleeding as vasodilation will cause further bleeding, inflammation (may cause it to worsen), to abdomen if suspected appendicitis is suspected as it may cause appendix to rupture & release pathogens, cardiovascular problems as heat applied to large areas has potential to interrupt blood flow to vital organs,
What are advantages of moist heat and dry heat?
moist- reduces drying of skin, conforms well to body areas, penetrates deeply into tissue layers, does not promote sweating and insensible fluid loss
dry- less risk of burns compared with moist applications, does not cause skin maceration, retains temperature longer because evaporation does not occur
This type of heat therapy device is a machine that circulates warmed air through linens to warm them to a preset temperature
blanket warmer
moist- prolonged exposure causes maceration, moist heat cools rapidly due to moisture evaporation, greater risk for burns to skin because moisture conducts heat
dry- increases body fluid loss through sweating, does not penetrate deep into tissues, causes increased drying of skin
What is the physiological response of heat therapy?
blood viscosity is decreased while capillary permeability is increased, increased cellular metabolism, increases inflammation, increased blood flow to area (both types of WBCs and endorphins, and dead bacteria and WBC, increased formation of pus)
This type of heat therapy provides a warm water soak for perineal area, used following perineal or rectal surgery, child birth, painful hemorrhoids, or vaginal inflammation
sitz bath
What patients are most at risk for burns with heat therapy?
patients with sensory impairments such as spinal cord injuries or peripheral neuropathy, impaired level of consciousness (LOC), confused, impaired circulation (peripheral vascular diseases, diabetes, CHF)