Improve your health with hot therapy

Thermotherapy or Heat therapy

Heat therapy or thermotherapy is the application of heat to the body resulting in increased tissue temperature.

Superficial modes of heat therapy include hot water bottles, heat pads, electric heat pads, heat wraps, heated stones, soft heated packs filled with grain, poultices, hot towels, hot baths, sauna, paraffin, steam, and infrared heat lamps.

An alternative mode of heat therapy is deep-heat therapy, which involves conversion of another form of energy to heat (e.g., shortwave diathermy, microwave diathermy, ultrasound).

How heat affects body tissues

Physiological effects of heat therapy include pain relief, increases in blood flow and metabolism, and increased elasticity of connective tissue. The increasing tissue temperature stimulates vasodilation and increases tissue blood flow, which promotes healing by increasing the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the site of injury. The rate of local tissue metabolism is also increased by warming, which may further promote healing.

Heat-induced changes in the viscoelastic properties of collagenous tissues may underlie the demonstrated efficacy of heat therapy for improving range of movement.

Hydrocollator packs

The hydro-collator unit is a stainless steel tank in which silica gel or sand filled packs are heated. The heater is thermostatically controlled and maintains water in the unit at a temperature between 76°C and 80°C. Hydrocollator packs are used to give gentle moist heat to superficial regions of the body.

The pack is applied to the body after being wrapped adequately in toweling or blankets. Care must be taken to have a layer of toweling and to avoid excessive pressure by weight being placed on bony points. A hydro-collator pack is easy to apply; it saves time for personnel and is efficient in heat conduction depending on the area treated.

Advantages of moist heat

1. Moist heat has a more sedative effect than dry heat.
2. Maximal temperatures are more uniform than in electrically-heated pads.
3. The patient does not need much handling.
4. Treatment time: 20-30 minutes

Disadvantages

1. A moist heat packs is not easily applied around shoulders and hips. It is somewhat heavy and should not be used on extremely sensitive patients, since it can create discomfort.
2. Sometimes moist packs have a tendency to cause a skin rash

Paraffin wax therapy

Paraffin wax is a white or colorless soft, solid wax, made from saturated hydrocarbons. Paraffin wax is a simple and convenient method of applying conducted heat to the extremities. Paraffin wax therapy is particularly recommended for oedema, inflammation, and arthritic pains.

Physiological effects of wax

1. Heat production over the body tissues
2. Stretching effects: wax leaves the skin moist, soft and pliable. It is useful for stretching scars and adhesions
3. Analgesic effects:
   • Most important effect as sedative effect on tissue.
   • Moist heat gives a soothing effect.
   • Very good prior to the exercise for superficial joints.

Methods of Using

There are four methods of application of paraffin wax therapy and the treatment is given for about 10 - 20 minutes.

1. Dipping method (Direct immersion).
2. Wrapping method (bandaging).
3. Brushing method.
4. Pouring method.

Contraindications

While heat therapy is a great way of promoting healing, it needs to be used with caution. Heat therapy is not recommended in cases of dermatological skin conditions (e.g. eczema), circulatory dysfunction (e.g. DVT), infections and open wounds, and if analgesic drugs are being used. Please check with your physiotherapist before starting any new treatments.