Thermal Agents

This is a potential adverse effect of cryotherapy, where the blood vessels are narrowed and blood flow is restricted.

This is another potential adverse effect of cryotherapy, involving blood clots forming in smaller blood vessels.

This involves a permanent nerve damage, a serious potential adverse effect of cryotherapy.

This occurs when blood vessels widen in response to cold, which is a potential adverse effect of cryotherapy.

This refers to the patient's expectation about cryotherapy and its potential effects.

This involves identifying the specific reason for using cryotherapy, what the desired outcome is intended to be.

Tracking a patient's response to cryotherapy involves monitoring their symptoms before, during, and after the treatment.

This involves educating patients about the different stages of cold response. It's essential to ensure patients understand what to expect.

Amount of heat transferred through a material depends on: Area of contact, Thermal conductivity, Temperature difference, and Tissue thickness.

A measure of how quickly heat moves through a material. Higher numbers indicate faster heat transfer.

Heat transfer through direct contact between objects of different temperatures.

Heat transfer involving movement of a heated fluid (liquid or gas) over a surface.

Conversion of non-thermal energy (mechanical, electrical, chemical) into heat.

Heat transfer directly from a hotter object to a cooler object without requiring a medium or direct contact.

Liquid to gas transition requiring energy absorption, leading to a decrease in temperature.

Normal range: 37°C +/- 1°C (oral). Elevated temp above 99.5°F (37.5°C). Skin blood vessels dilate to release heat.

Abnormal drop in core body temperature below 95°F (35°C)

A measure of how quickly heat is transferred through a material.

Applying ice directly to the skin for a short period of time.

A pre-treatment step to assess pain levels and body measurements before applying cold therapy.

A cold pack wrapped in a towel or pillow case.

Positioning the patient in a way that helps manage swelling or edema.

Applying cold therapy with consistent pressure and temperature using a specialized device.

The time spent applying cold therapy, typically between 10-20 minutes.

A post-treatment step to assess pain levels and body measurements after applying cold therapy.

A visual inspection of the skin before and after applying cold therapy.

Vapocoolant spray is a quick and localized application of cold that can be used before stretching but has limited use for longer treatments.

Heat therapy can be used to improve function and reduce pain, but it can also be used medically to destroy tissue.

Thermotherapy causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to the treated area.

Heat increases nerve conduction velocity, which can reduce pain and muscle spasms.

Heat can temporarily affect muscle strength, potentially decreasing it in the first 30 minutes after treatment.

Heat can increase the body's pain threshold by activating a mechanism in the spinal cord and preventing tissue damage.

Heat can increase the rate of metabolic processes, which can aid healing and tissue repair.

Heat can increase tissue extensibility, making it more pliable and easier to stretch.

The application of heat for therapeutic purposes

The range of temperatures where enzymes function optimally, resulting in increased cellular activity

An enzyme that breaks down collagen, which can be increased by high temperatures, potentially leading to cartilage damage

A condition marked by inflammation and pain, where thermotherapy is generally avoided due to the risk of increased collagenase activity and further damage

The ability of tissues to stretch and elongate, which is enhanced by increased tissue temperature

A therapeutic application of heat to alleviate pain, particularly in chronic pain conditions

A therapeutic use of heat to improve range of motion and decrease stiffness in joints

The use of infrared radiation (ultraviolet light) for treating skin conditions like psoriasis

This modality uses heated air to warm tissues. It's good for reducing edema and pain. Therapists might use it on conditions like arthritis and tendinitis.

Fluidotherapy is great for moving injured areas because there is minimal pressure, and it can be used for longer periods.

Fluidotherapy can be costly to set up and use. Potential for edema worsening and overheating are some other drawbacks.

Heat transfer is the process of moving heat from one object to another. It can happen through conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporation.

Infrared lamps use heat radiation to warm tissues. They are often used for pain relief and relaxation.

Infrared lamps are not as precise as other modalities, and can be tricky to use consistently.

Documentation for thermal interventions includes the area treated, type of heat/cold, duration, patient position, and specific responses (pain, edema, etc.).

When choosing between heat and cold therapy, consider the stage of healing, the treatment goal, and patient comfort and tissue extensibility.