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THERMOTHERAPY

By: Tina Remley
Amy Sanchez

Physiological Effects
  1. Analgesic effect via the Gate Theory - stimulates A Betafibers.
  2. Vasodilation of arterioles and capillaries:1. Increases blood flow
    2. Increases circulation
    3. Removal of metabolic wastes
    4. Edema formation.
  3. Increase cell metabolism: for every 10 degrees rise in tissuetemperature, metabolism increases 2-3 times.
  4. Decrease muscle spasm: decreases muscle spindle activity.
  5. Increase range of motion: increases elasticity of ligaments, capsule,and muscle.
  6. Increases local tissue temperature.
**Note: For these physiological effects to occur in muscle tissue thereneeds to be a tissue temperature rise of 40 - 45'C

Indications
  1. Hydrocollator: 1. Joint contractures
    2. Bursitis
    3. Hematoma resolution
  2. Hot whirlpool: 1. Burns
    2. Infected wounds
    3. Fractures
  3. Common to both hydrocollator and hot whirlpool: 1. Muscle sprains and strains
    2. Sub acute or chronic injuries
    3. Joint pain or decreased range of motion
    4. Osteoarthritis and rhematoid arthritis
Contraindications
  1. Hydrocollator: 1. Over areas of keloid formation
    2. Anesthetic areas
  2. Hot whirlpool: 1. Skin diseases
    2. Fever
    3. Venous insufficiency with edema
  3. Common to both hydrocollator and hot whirlpool:1. Acute injuries
    2. Areas of impaired circulation
    3. Peripheral vascular disease
Treatment Set-up and Initiation
  1. Hydrocollator:1. Remove appropriate pack from hydrocollator unit
    2. Place in commercial covering or 6 layers of towels
    3. Check skin condition
    4. Position athlete in a comfortable position that also exposes treatment site.
    5. Place covered pack on area to be treated
    6. Place towel over covered pack to ensure insulation
    7. Check back with athlete to make sure hydrocollator pack is not burning the area
    8. Remove pack after treatment is over and return pack to hydrocollator unit.
    9. Recheck sensation or circulation.
  2. Hot whirlpool:1. Water temperature should be between 100 - 110' F.
    2. Fill whirlpool to desired depth
    3. Add disinfectant to water
    4. Clean area that is to be treated
    5. Athlete should immerse injured segment in water
    6. Trainer to turn on jet
    7. After treatment ceases, trainer to turn off jet.
    8. Remove body segment and dry off.    **Note: Athletes receiving full body treatment should be continuouslymonitored**
  3. Treatment time: 15 to 30 minutes.
Precautions
  1. Hydrocollator:1. Never place hydrocollator pack directly on skin
    2. Do not wrap hydrocollator pack on body
    3. Cover wounds or infected areas with guaze
    4. Don't grab cell of hyrocollator pack, use the tabs
    5. Don't stick hand in water
    6. Clean on regular basis
  2. Hot whirlpool:1. Never let athlete turn jets on or off while they are immersed in whirlpool
    2. Clean and disinfect daily
    3. Clean post wound debridement


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