Thermotherapy

1. Mechanisms of heat transfers

1.1. Radiation

1.1.1. Infrared lamps

1.2. Conduction

1.2.1. Hydrocollator

1.2.2. Paraffin bath

1.3. Convention

1.3.1. Hot whirlpool

1.4. Conversion

2. Contraindications

2.1. edema

2.2. Skin anesthesia

2.3. Impaired circulation

2.4. Open wound

2.5. Peripheral/Vascular Disease

2.6. Acute musculoskeletal conditions

3. Appropriate use of thermotherapy

3.1. Hydrotherapy

3.2. Knowledge

3.2.1. Pathology

3.2.2. Healing process

3.2.3. Injury mechanism

3.3. Rise in tissue temp. =treatment goal

4. Physiologic effects

4.1. inflammation

4.2. nutrients

4.3. vasodilation

4.4. metabolites

4.5. hyperemia

4.6. analgesia

4.7. consensual heat vasodilation

5. Indications

5.1. Infection

5.2. Decrease ROM

5.3. Muscle Spasm

5.4. Subacute/Chronic conditions

5.5. Subacute contusion

5.6. Inflammatory conditions