hot and cold therapy

Question 1

what are the 3 types of thermal therapies and what do they do

Answer 1

conduction - heat is transferred from a warmer object to a cooler one e.g electric heat pads
convection - transferred heat through fluids or gasses e.g whirlpool bath
conversion - generation of heat from another energy e.g ultra sound via soundwaves

Question 2

what are the physiological affects of thermal therapies

Answer 2

decreased joint stiffness, increases blood flow, reduced pain, reduced muscle spasm

Question 3

what does thermal therapy do

Answer 3

increases muscle temperature increases circulation and blood flow vasodilation

Question 4

what are the effects of cryotherapy

Answer 4

vasoconstriction, reduces swelling, decreases muscle spasm, increases blood viscosity

Question 5

what are some examples of cryotherapy

Answer 5

ice massage - ice is rubbed in circles over effected area 5-10 mins
cold water immersion 10 -15mins
ice bag
vapoccolant sprays - cold spray
cryochambers
cryosleeves

Question 6

what are the contraindications of cryotherapy

Answer 6

tumours, open wounds, poor circulation, pregnancy, lack of sensation

Question 7

what are the contraindications for thermotherapy

Answer 7

inflammation/wounds, tumours, infections, poor circulation, lack of sensation