1. Thermotherapy
Moist Heat Packs

2. Main Idea of thermotherapy
Provide comfort by:
Increasing circulation
Decreasing localized pain
Reduce edema
Reduce Muscle Spasms
Reduce Joint stiffness
Heat also increases collagen elasticity to the area where heat is applied
Heat Increases blood flow to the area which promotes healing.
There are multiple categories that fall into thermotherapy. But were only going to talk about Moist Heat Packs

3. Moist Heat Packs
Moist heat packs- Silicate gel in a cotton pad immersed in 170 degrees of hot water
Apply Minutes
Layers of towels are used between packs and the skin to avoid burning. As packs cool remove towels
Deep tissues are not significantly heated
Inhibited by subcutaneous fat acts as insulator
Patient should be in comfortable position
Patients should not lie on the hot pack because heat can not dissipate out.

4. Main Idea of Moist Heat Packs
Moist heat packs are a method of healing through conduction
Benefits of using Moist Heat Packs is relaxation of the muscle area and reduction in the muscle spasm/ pain cycle.
Used for subacute to chronic pain.

5. Source
Sports medicine essentials. Core concepts in athletic training and fitness instruction. 2nd edition. By: Jim Clover Pg.(# )