Physical Therapy Effects of Heat and Cold

Study Notes

Effects of Cold Application

Decreases local tissue temperature and cell metabolism.
Initially causes vasoconstriction in arterioles and capillaries, reducing blood flow.
Decreases nerve conduction velocity and muscle excitability, leading to lowered pain sensation.
Reduces delivery of leukocytes and phagocytes, along with lymphatic and venous drainage.
Inhibits formation and accumulation of edema, providing localized anesthetic effects.

Effects of Heat Application

Increases local temperature and metabolism, promoting healing.
Induces vasodilation of arterioles and capillaries, enhancing blood flow.
Increases capillary permeability, allowing more leukocyte and phagocyte activity in the area.
Promotes lymphatic and venous drainage while increasing metabolic waste.
Enhances muscle elasticity, reduces muscle tone and spasms, and provides analgesic effects, although it may also increase edema formation.

Indications and Contraindications of Cryotherapy

Indications: Effective for acute and subacute inflammation, pain relief, myofascial trigger points, muscle guarding, and certain injuries like sprains and tendonitis.
Contraindications: Should not be used with impaired circulation, peripheral vascular disease, cold hypersensitivity, infections, or skin abnormalities.

Indications and Contraindications for Thermotherapy

Indications: Useful in subacute and chronic inflammatory conditions, muscle guarding, and for resolving swelling.
Contraindications: Not recommended for acute conditions, impaired circulation, skin anesthesia, and infections.

Factors in Deciding Between Heat and Cold

Evaluate temperature sensitivity, ongoing swelling, pain during movement, and the status of inflammation.
If body remains warm or swelling persists, prefer cold applications; otherwise, heat may be appropriate.

Rehabilitation Goals

Control Swelling: Utilize methods like PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to manage swelling and prevent further injury.
Control Pain: Understand and address athlete's pain response; medications may assist in pain management.
Restore Range of Motion (ROM): Focus on stretching to counteract muscle or connective tissue tightness.
Restore Muscle Strength: Employ various exercise modalities from isometric to isotonic and isokinetic, adapting to recovery phases.
Reestablish Neuromuscular Control: Practice closed kinetic chain exercises to regain muscle coordination.
Reestablish Balance: Integrate proprioceptive training to reduce injury probability.
Maintain Cardiorespiratory Fitness: Incorporate activities like swimming or cycling to sustain fitness levels during rehabilitation.
Functional Progression and Testing: Gradually introduce activities to assess the athlete’s readiness for return to competition.

Factors Affecting Tendonitis

Tendonitis typically arises from rapid increases in physical activity or improper techniques in sports.
Key treatment involves identifying and correcting causative factors, alongside managing inflammation with modalities and therapeutic exercises.

Fractures

Understand the various types and locations of fractures and their specific healing processes.
Diagnostic tools include X-rays for typical fractures and bone scans for stress fractures.
Familiarize with the use of internal and external fixators in treatment protocols.

Pain Management Scale

Pain is classified (1-6) based on intensity and activity restriction, which guides treatment and rehabilitation approaches.

Description

Explore the distinct effects of cold and heat applications on tissue and healing processes. This quiz covers local temperature changes, blood flow alterations, and indications for cryotherapy. Understand how temperature variations influence metabolism, muscle activity, and pain sensation.