Thermal Modality Basics
For every 1.8*F of heat lost or gained, what percentage is the cell metabolism affected?
13%
What is the primary benefit of cryotherapy?
Reduce rate of cell metabolism
During the first ___________ minutes of treatment, the body absorbs heat faster than it can be dissipated.
5 to 6
What are 2 indications for the use of cold packs?
Acute injury/inflammation
Acute or chronic pain
Prevention of swelling
Decrease muscle spasm
Neuralgia
CNS spasticity
What is the treatment duration when using paraffin bath?
15-20 minutes
Explain what Conversion means in terms of the transfer of energy.
A form of energy must be changed to another form to have a thermal effect on the body. Example: Ultrasound uses acoustical energy that converts to heat
What is one way to increase the effectiveness when using an ice pack?
Compression wrap
In order to have therapeutic effects, superficial heating agents must be capable of increasing the skin temperature to what range?
104-113*F
At what temperature should reusable cold packs be stored?
12*F
What is a benefit of whirlpool use outside of the thermal effects that it could have?
Bouyancy
What law states that the greater the temperature gradient, the more rapid the heat exchange?
Fourier Law
What is one effect of cold modalities on blood and fluid dynamics?
1. Local arteriole vasoconstriction
2. Increased blood viscosity
3. Reduced blood flow
In order to achieve moderate effects from heating, such as decreasing muscle spasm, decreasing pain, increasing blood flow, and reducing chronic inflammation, by how many degrees must the tissue be increased?
3.6-5.4*F (Table 5-8)
What types of injuries should ice immersion treatments be used for?
Irregularly shaped areas
What is a precaution when using moist heat packs for superficial tissue treatment?
Do not allow direct contact of skin, high temps
Take additional care if packs are changed during treatment
Cover infected areas with sterile gauze
Do not allow patient to sit on heat pack. If necessary, add layers of insulation
Put the following in order of thermal conductivity (Lowest to Highest): Skin, Adipose Tissue, Muscle
Adipose Tissue, Muscle, Skin
In order to achieve a maximal decrease in local blood flow, to what temperature must the skin be cooled?
Approx. 57*F (will take anything 55-59*F)
What is the warning sign that occurs in the skin that indicates tissue temperatures are increasing to a dangerously high level?
Mottling
What are 2 primary effects of ice massage?
1. Decreases sensitivity of cutaneous nerve receptors
2. Decreases pain
3. Breaks pain/spasm cycle
When creating a warm whirlpool, what temperature should the water be?
90-110*F (higher for smaller surface areas, lower for larger areas)
Which law states that energy that is absorbed by one tissue layer cannot be transmitted to deeper layers?
Law of Grotthus-Draper
What condition occurs when cold and compression are placed over a superficial nerve, causing the loss of sensation or motor function?
Cold-Induced Neuropathy
What are 3 contraindications when utilizing superficial heat modalities?
Acute injuries
Abnormal vascular or nerve function
Sleeping/unconscious patients
DVT/Thrombophlebitis
Tumors
Closed infection
Hypertension
Pregnancy
History of Cardiac failure
How/why does vapocoolant spray work?
Quickly evaporating fluid pulls heat away, leaving cold skin and desensitization of nerves
What are two primary effects of paraffin bath use?
1. increased perspiration
2. increased blood flow/vasodilation
3. increased cell metabolism