Therapeutic Modalities

Superficial Heat 10 mm below surface Hydrocollator pack Infrared lamp Paraffin bath

Hydrocollator Pack Canvas bag with silica gel or sand Heated to 170 Place towels between pack and skin Use for 20 minutes Not for areas with impaired skin or circulation

Infrared Heat No pressure on body Use for 20 minutes Not for areas with impaired skin or circulation

Paraffin Bath 1 part liquid petroleum to 7 parts paraffin 125-130 degrees Mostly for hands and feet Not for areas with impaired sin or circulation

Deep Heat 30-50 mm below the skin Diathermy: Microwave or shortwave generator Ultrasound

Diathermy Deep heating by electromagnetic or mechanical waves

Microwaves Hold director perpendicular to the treated part Skin must be clean and dry to prevent burns Use for no more than 20 minutes Do not use in presence of pacemaker

Shortwaves Protect skin with towels Do not use near metal implants or pacemakers Do not use with impaired skin or circulation

Ultrasound Fine vibrations caused by sound generate heat Must use oil on skin under transducer that transmits soundwave

Hydrotherapy Whirlpool Hubbard tank Therapeutic pool

Whirlpool 98-104 degrees Massages skin Dilates blood vessels Relieves pain Use for 20 minutes

Hubbard Tank Large whirlpool shaped like a whole body Used for debridement of large areas

Therapeutic Pool 98 degrees Inclining bottom with deep and shallow ends Used to strengthen legs and assist with ambulation

Cold Therapy Ice packs K-pads – circulating water 10-15 minutes Reduce swelling, inflammation and spasticity

Side Effects Both heat and cold can cause erythema Heat: increase circulation, reduce inflammation and pain Cold: decrease circulation, swelling and pain