Thermal

Question 1

List the effects of heating agents.

Answer 1

i) reduce muscle tone
ii) increase ROM (joint stiffness)
iii) analgesia
iv) increase blood flow to the region
v) increase metabolism
NOTE: AT LEAST 40’C FOR COLLAGEN DENATURATION - HOWEVER <50’C FOR SAFETY.

Question 2

List the effects of cooling agents.

Answer 2

i) prevents formation of swelling
ii) reduces metabolism
iii) vasoconstricts
iv) analgesia
v) reduces extensibility of collagenous tissue
vi) reduces muscle tone (paralysis)

Question 3

What are the concerns with applying heat to acute injury?

Answer 3

i) pathological level of swelling/bruising

ii) secondary ischemic injury due to increased metabolism

Question 4

Describe the process of fluidotherapy.

Answer 4

Dry warm, circulating warm air in port for 20min. Analgesia.

Question 5

Describe the process of paraffin wax treatment.

Answer 5

8 dips. Provides conduction heat to small irregular areas that are hard to treat otherwise. Usually kept at 45’+. 15min.

Question 6

How many layers of towels are required between skin and hot pack? How long?

Answer 6

6-8. For 15-20min - note it takes 8min for peak temp within the muscle. Hydrocollator kept at 70-75’.

Question 7

Describe the process of a contrast bath.

Answer 7

6min heat (40-45’), 4min cold (20’) repeat X2 cycles. Always end on warm. Result is increased tissue volume and reduced skin temp.

Question 8

How should ice packs be applied?

Answer 8

NOT gel pack - crushed ice better. 15-20min, every 2-4 hours. Check skin at 1min and 5min - should look the same. Use wet towel underlay

Question 9

What is the benefit of applying ice for short amounts of time (ex. 10min)?

Answer 9

Analgesia without cooling deeper tissues (ex. before exercise). 5min normal temp persists, then 10 min window until deep tissues start to cool.