Physiotherapy Thermotherapy Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of strong thermotherapy?

To achieve a limited effect in a deeper area

To produce a high temperature increase over the injury and maintain it for a specific period of time (correct)

To reduce the length of the application

To stimulate tissue healing in chronic inflammatory disorders

What is the main application of soft heating?

Acute injuries

Tissue healing in chronic inflammatory disorders

Subacute disorders (correct)

Chronic pathologies to increase extensibility of fibrous tissue in muscle spasms

Which type of thermotherapy is used to heat deeper subcutaneous tissues and superficial muscles?

Superficial thermotherapy

Shortwave diathermy (27MHz, capacitive method) (correct)

Microwave (2450 MHz) therapy

Dry heat therapy

What is the characteristic of soft thermotherapy?

Low power doses to obtain a relative low temperature increase Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between strong and soft thermotherapy?

Temperature increase rate Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of heat transfer in fluidotherapy?

Convection Signup and view all the answers

What type of particles are used in fluidotherapy to transfer heat?

Finely ground cellulose particles made from corn cobs Signup and view all the answers

How does the patient's body part interact with the fluidotherapy cabinet?

It floats in the particles Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the portals in the fluidotherapy cabinet?

To allow the therapist to access the patient's body Signup and view all the answers

What can be controlled in a fluidotherapy cabinet?

Both the temperature and particle agitation Signup and view all the answers

What is a contraindication for thermotherapy?

Areas of recent or potential hemorrhage Signup and view all the answers

What is an indication for thermotherapy in managing pain?

Acute Low Back Pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of continuous thermotherapy compared to intermittent thermotherapy?

Is more effective in relieving pain in the short term Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of hot pack commonly used in thermotherapy?

Bentonite Packs Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential adverse effect of thermotherapy?

Burns Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of Instant Chemical Hot Packs?

Sodium acetate solution Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of moist heat therapy over dry heat therapy in reducing pain?

Moist heat therapy has a higher increase in pain reduction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a thermostat in Paraffin Wax Baths?

To keep the temperature constant Signup and view all the answers

How long does dry heat therapy need to be applied to achieve a similar effect to moist heat therapy?

8 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum temperature required for sterilization in Paraffin Wax Baths?

80ºC Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal humidity level in a traditional sauna?

6-8% Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended temperature range for a steam bath?

38-45°C Signup and view all the answers

What is a contraindication for using a sauna or hot air bath?

Cardiovascular problems Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended preparation before entering a sauna or hot air bath?

Drink a glass of water Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible indication for using a sauna or hot air bath?

General relaxation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of wrapping the treated area in wax paper or plastic after dip immersion with wrapping?

To retain the heat and improve the therapeutic effect Signup and view all the answers

How many consecutive dip immersions are typically used to form a glove in dip immersion with wrapping?

8-12 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indication for paraffin wax therapy?

Pain and joint stiffness Signup and view all the answers

What is the temperature range of the Parafango mixture?

47-52 º C Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the retention period in continuous immersion with retention?

To prolong the therapeutic effect of the wax Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between dip immersion with wrapping and brushing with wrapping?

The method of application of the wax Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of elevating the extremity during the treatment?

To reduce swelling and promote drainage Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the mixture of paraffin, volcanic mud, and mineral salts used in thermotherapy?

Parafango Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using hot baths in thermotherapy?

To reduce pain and inflammation Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of the retention period in continuous immersion with retention?

30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of materials with high specific heat?

To hold more energy when at the same temperature as materials with low specific heat Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of fat tissue on thermal conductivity?

It decreases thermal conductivity Signup and view all the answers

What type of tissues are selectively heated with ultrasound and TECAR (resistive, 0.448 MHz)?

Joints, ligaments, fibrous scars, tendons and tendon sheaths Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred application of thermal agents with high specific heat?

At lower temperatures Signup and view all the answers

What is an indication for thermotherapy?

Chronic and subacute inflammatory injuries Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scapulohumeral Periarthritis and Indications

Common indications include subacute and chronic post-traumatic injuries.
Associated conditions:
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Raynaud Disease
- Dupuytren Disease
- Osteoporosis

Acute Low Back Pain (LBP) Management

Thermotherapy: Better than cryotherapy for short-term pain relief.
Continuous thermotherapy is preferred over intermittent applications.

Primary Dysmenorrhea

Local heat is effective: reduces muscle tension and improves pelvic circulation.
Treatment methods include heat wraps, hot water bags, heated patches, and ceramic belts.

Precautions for Thermotherapy

Avoid use over abdomen/lower back during pregnancy.
Do not apply in areas with impaired circulation, edema, or cardiac insufficiency.
Contraindicated near open wounds or areas with recent counterirritants.

Contraindications

Avoid on acute injuries or inflammation, recent hemorrhage, or in cases of thrombophlebitis.
Not suitable for areas with impaired sensation or near malignant tissue.

Adverse Effects

Potential for burns, fainting, bleeding, and skin/eye damage.
Risks include permanent pigmentation changes and eye damage.

Conductive Thermotherapy Methods

Hot Packs: Various sizes, made of bentonite for joint stiffness and pain relief.
Hot Gel Packs: Hydrocolloid gels serving as thermo/cryotherapy, requiring a towel barrier.
Instant Chemical Hot Packs: Sodium acetate solutions, portable but can cause burns if ruptured.

Moist vs. Dry Heat

Both heat types effectively reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
Immediate application of moist heat yields higher pain reduction than dry heat.

Paraffin Wax Baths

Mixture of paraffin with mineral oil, safe to apply due to low specific heat.
Controlled heating with a thermostat; metallic objects must be avoided.

Fluidotherapy

Method using convection to transfer heat through finely ground cellulose particles.
Offers controlled temperature and agitation during therapy.

Thermal Tissue Properties

Specific Heat: Skin has higher specific heat than fat; materials with high specific heat hold more energy.
Thermal Conductivity: Fat has low thermal conductivity, influencing heating depth.

Indications for Thermotherapy

Effective for soft tissue injuries, inflammatory conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, epicondylitis, bursitis, and tendinopathies.

Sauna and Steam Baths

Traditional sauna: 80-100ºC, dry air (6-8% humidity).
Steam baths: Lower temperatures (38-45ºC), high humidity (100%).

Safety Instructions for Sauna Use

Follow pre-entry guidelines: avoid eating beforehand, hydrate well, limit time inside.
Monitor for dizziness or fatigue; follow up with cold shower and hydration.

Cautions and Additional Contraindications

Intense itching, asthma (with moist air), and various systemic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular issues may restrict use.

Other Treatment Methods

Hot hydromassage, hot showers, and hot baths can supplement thermal therapy.
Paraffin-wax therapy includes multiple immersion and coating techniques for effective heat application.

Parafango Treatment

Combination of paraffin and volcanic mud, applied wrapped in plastic, effective at 47-52ºC.

Conclusion

Understanding the specific applications, benefits, and restrictions of different thermal modalities is crucial for effective patient management in physiotherapy.

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of thermotherapy in physical therapy, including general intervention methods, effects, indications, and contraindications. It also explores choosing a thermal agent, temperature distribution patterns, and thermal tissue properties.