Thermotherapy Flashcards
(32 cards)
Thermotherapy
Application of heat (energy) to the skin using superficial or deep methods
Is thermotherapy a stand alone intervention?
No, it is complimentary to facilitate healing, relaxation, etc
Biophysical effects of heat
Phsyiologic changes associated with the application of heat to skin depend on:
Temperature increase to tissues
Rate at which energy is added to tissues
Volume of tissue exposed to hea
Biophysical effects of heat
“Therapeutic level” of heating
Vigrous heating;
occurs when tissue temperature is elevated between 40-45° C or 104-113° F
Biophysical effects of heat: Metabolic reactions
Metabolic rate
Increases twofold to threefold for each 10°C or 50°F rise in temp
Biophysical effects of heat: Metabolic reactions
Energy expenditure
Increases
Biophysical effects of heat: Metabolic reactions
At what temp will tissues burn?
At about 45°C or 113°-122°F
How can we prevent burns from thermotherapy treatments?
Using layers
Vascular effects of heat
Vasodilation of blood vessels in the skin is secondary to:
- An axon reflex
- Release of chemical mediators
- Local spinal cord reflexes
Vascular effects of heat
Skeletal muscle blood flow
minimal changes
Why may the skin appear cool to the touch when a patient is exercising vigorously
evaporation of sweat
Axon vs Spinal cord vasodilation reflex
Spinal cord is slightly slower than axon
Neuromuscular effects of heat
- elevation of pain threshold
- alter nerve conduction velocity
- decreased firing of alpha motorneurons
- decreased muscle spasm
- alterations in muscle strength and endurance
Study findings on impact of heating on strength and endurance
Studies have shown a decrease in strength and endurance for about the first 30 min after heating, followed by a gradual increase
Effects on connective tissue
Impact on elasticity and viscosity
heat increases elasticity and decreases viscosity
Effects on connective tissue
Impact on joints
decreases joint stiffness
Effects on connective tissue
Impact on muscle
increases muscle flexibility
Effects on connective tissue
Heat and stretch of connective tissue will result in:
plastic elongation of the tissue
Effects on connective tissue
Greatest length changes occur with less tissue damage when:
Stretch is applied during the time the tissue temperature is elevated to therapeutic levels (40°-45°C)
Physical principles of heat
Heat transfer in PT occurs by:
Conduction
Convection
Radiation
Physical principles of heat
Greatest degree of temp rise occurs in:
the skin and within 0.5cm from the skin surface
Physical principles of heat
Maximum tissue temperature rise occurs within:
6-8 minutes after initial application of heat
Indications for thermotherapy
Pain
Joint stiffness
Muscle spasm
Decreased ROM
Promote tissue healing & relaxation
Prepare for & facilitate stretching of tissues
Contraindications for heat
Decreases/absent thermal sensation
Over areas of vascular insuffieciency
Over areas of recent bleeding/risk of bleeding
Over areas of malignant cancer cells
Over areas of acute inflammation
Over infections that may spread
Over tissues where liniments or heat rubs have been applied
Patients who are confused or cannot communicate
