Hydrotherapy and Thermotherapy Quiz

Initial application of cold stimulates the heart rate while prolonged applications decreases heart rate.

A short application will have a stimulating effect on the body, and a long application has a depressing effect on the body.

Reflex Effects and Considerations of Prolonged Cold Applications.

Cryotherapy is defined as an external, therapeutic application of cold.

Cryotherapy and Thermotherapy Kinetics.

Cryotherapy and Thermotherapy are used independently or in conjunction for “contrast” treatments.

Hot temperatures are generally recommended for chronic diseases such as kidney diseases, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Hot temperatures can also be used for diseases of long duration such as poor muscle tone without the presence of inflammation, Stroke recovery, Parkinson’s disease, tremors, muscle weakness, and rigidity, and Cerebral Palsy, developmental defects in brain or trauma at birth.

There are four primary objectives in treating chronic conditions, the first is relieving inner congestion in affected areas, thus diminishing pain. Another way is to increase the elimination of toxins through perspiration therefore removing metabolic waste and toxic material.

A third way using hot hydrotherapy to assist in chronic conditions is to increase red blood cells carrying oxygen throughout the body, promoting oxidation and combustion of waste material. Finally, this form of hydrotherapy will maintain oral body temperature below the danger point of 1030 by promoting heat radiation.

Hot Temperature: Physiological Response

When applied to the stomach, heat decreases hydrochloric acid and peristalsis motion.

Reflex Effects of Prolonged Heat

Prolonged heat to one extremity causes vasodilatation in the contralateral extremity allowing increased blood flow. Prolonged heat to the abdominal wall causes decreased intestinal blood flow, diminished intestinal motility, and decreased secretion of acid in the stomach ultimately slowing digestion. Prolonged heat to the pelvis relaxes the musculature of the pelvic organs, dilates the blood vessels, and increases menstrual flow. Prolonged localized heat to the pericardium region increases the heart rate, decreases its force, and lowers blood pressure.

Prolonged heat on the upper pectoral region promotes ease of respiration and congestion expectation with respiratory conditions. Prolonged localized heat with use of hot packs on the thoracolumbar region may relax the ureters and/or bile ducts, and can relieve renal and/or gallbladder colic. Prolonged localized heat application to the kidney region; posterior thoracolumbar or anterior lower abdomen increases the production of urine.

There are different types of moisture. A steam bath, 100% sauna, produces heavier air and it may be more difficult to breath but moisten mucous membranes and skin. Saunas, 10 to 20% sauna, the air is easier to breath but maybe too drying to skin and mucous membranes.

Hydrotherapy Applications

Welcome to the hydrotherapy applications section. In this section you will learn to: Define various body wraps; Define different steam wraps; Explain contrast packs; Define different baths; Explain different body polishes; Explain paraffin bath; Identify various friction methods;

Summarize the key facts from the text above in 10 sentences.

Baths can be administered by surrounding parts of the body or the entire body with water, heated air, vapor, or light rays.

A second type are Sprays which are administered by projecting one or more streams of water against the body.

Tonic friction is an application of friction with cold water to produce a stimulating or tonic effect.

There are also special water treatments designed as packs, hot or cold compresses, that include medicated baths using additional herbal poultices.

Water can be applied as a local or general application. The effects of water may vary according to the temperature, body surface coverage, and duration of the application.

Baths are administered by surrounding parts of the body or the entire body with water, heated air, vapor, or light rays providing generalized organ system effects.

An example of a type of bath is the Hubbard Tank. The Hubbard Tank is a full immersion tanks used with jets for rehabilitative exercise and treatments.

Another type, mentioned previously, is the steam bath, a full body steam or vapor exposure that is similar to a steam room with moist heat.

Examples of Baths

An underwater massage is when a client soaks in a warm-water tub and is massaged by jets from a hand-held hose.

An ice immersion is a short soak of a limb in icy water; usually used to reduce inflammation.

A pool plunge is an immersion in 50‒60° F water to close pores and reduce vasodilatation; usually follows a heat treatment such as sauna, steam bath, or hot tub.

Whirlpool Baths

The first is a hot immersion bath in which the client has full or partial immersion.

Hot tub baths do not have jets.

A spa tub contains chemically treated water. While whirlpools tubs drain the water after use.

Sauna

The following is an example of a sauna. Sauna are generally 10‒20% humidity at 160‒210° F in a wood-lined room. Saunas are used to treat tension and insomnia; increases metabolism and circulation; and removes.

Steam Bath/Russian Bath

The following is an example of a Russian steam bath. Generally, the steam bath is set for 100% humidity at 105 - 120° F in a ceramic-tiled room. Steam canopies and cabinets are practical as they allow head to be exposed.