Heat and Cold Therapy: Application, Factors to Consider, and Effects, Study Guides, Projects, Research of Construction

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Heat and Cold

Applications of

1. Therapeutic 2. Comfort^ 3. Rehabilitation

2. Adaptation of thermal receptors

3. Thermal application must be stopped before

“rebound phenomenon” begins

• Continuation of heat application beyond 30 – 45 mins.

May result to tissue congestion, vasoconstriction and

client’s at risk of burn

• Continuation of cold application below 15°C

May result to vasodilatation begins w/c is protective &

prevents freezing of body tissues

• Prolonged cold application

May result to impaired circulation, cell deprivation &

subsequent tissue damage due to lack of oxygen &

nourishment

SIGNS OF TISSUE DAMAGE

a. bluish & mottled skin appearance b. numbness c. stiffness d. pallor e. sometimes blister & pain

4. Moisture conducts heat better than air

5. Length of exposure and the area to be

exposed

6. Condition of the equipment

LOCAL EFFECTS OF HEAT AND COLD

Physiologic Response to HEAT

• Vasodilation of peripheral blood vessels
• Increase blood flow (to injured body part)
• Increase supply of oxygen
• Decrease blood viscosity
• Increase tissue metabolism
• Improve circulation

Physiologic Response to COLD

• Vasoconstriction of peripheral blood vessels
• Decrease blood circulation
• Decrease capillary permeability
• Delayed re-absorption of fluid
• Increase coagulation of blood

Hypothalamus

• Responds to signals from the thermal receptors
• Controls body temperature
• Thermoregulatory centre in the brain.
• Anterior hypothalamus – dissipate heat
• Posterior hypothalamus – conserve heat

TEMPERATURE FOR HEAT AND COLD

APPLICATION

Description (^) Temperature Range Application Very cold Below 59 F (< 15 C) Ice bags Cold 59 – 65 F ( 15 – 18 C) Cold pack Cool 65 – 80 F ( 18 – 27 C) Cold compress Tepid (^80) – 98 F ( 27 – 37 C) Sponge bath Warm 98 – 105 F ( 37 - 41 C) Aquathermia pad Hot 105 – 115 F ( 41 - 46 C) Hot soak Very Hot (^) Above 115 F ( 46 C) Hot water bottle

1. The first 24 hours after injury
2. Active hemorrhage
3. Non inflammatory edema
4. Localized malignant tumor
5. Skin disorder that causes redness or blister Contraindications for HEAT Application

Indications for COLD application

1. Relieves pain

2. Limit inflammation & suppuration

3. Control bleeding

Devices used for HEAT Application

1. DRY Heat - Hot water bags or bottles - Electric heating pad - Aquathermia pad - Heat Lamp - Heat Cradle - Hot packs - Gel filled hot packs - Thermal blanket (heating) - Diathermy

Hot water bottle/ bags