Therapeutic Modalities

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Therapeutic Modalities
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Superficial Heat

• 10 mm below surface
• Hydrocollator pack
• Infrared lamp
• Paraffin bath

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Hydrocollator Pack

• Canvas bag with silica gel or sand
• Heated to 170
• Place towels between pack and skin
• Use for 20 minutes
• Not for areas with impaired skin or circulation

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Infrared Heat

• No pressure on body
• Use for 20 minutes
• Not for areas with impaired skin or circulation

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Paraffin Bath

• 1 part liquid petroleum to 7 parts paraffin
• 125-130 degrees
• Mostly for hands and feet
• Not for areas with impaired sin or circulation

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Deep Heat

• 30-50 mm below the skin
• Diathermy
• Microwave or shortwave generator
• Ultrasound

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Diathermy

• Deep heating by electromagnetic or mechanical
  waves

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Microwaves

• Hold director perpendicular to the treated part
• Skin must be clean and dry to prevent burns
• Use for no more than 20 minutes
• Do not use in presence of pacemaker

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Shortwaves

• Protect skin with towels
• Do not use near metal implants or pacemakers
• Do not use with impaired skin or circulation

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Ultrasound

• Fine vibrations caused by sound generate heat
• Must use oil on skin under transducer that
  transmits soundwave

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Hydrotherapy

• Whirlpool
• Hubbard tank
• Therapeutic pool

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Whirlpool

• 98-104 degrees
• Massages skin
• Dilates blood vessels
• Relieves pain
• Use for 20 minutes

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Hubbard Tank

• Large whirlpool shaped like a whole body
• Used for debridement of large areas

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Therapeutic Pool

• 98 degrees
• Inclining bottom with deep and shallow ends
• Used to strengthen legs and assist with ambulation

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Cold Therapy

• Ice packs
• K-pads circulating water
• 10-15 minutes
• Reduce swelling, inflammation and spasticity

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Side Effects

• Both heat and cold can cause erythema
• Heat increase circulation, reduce inflammation
  and pain
• Cold decrease circulation, swelling and pain