1. by Ms. B.Nelson

2.  To explain the biophysical effects of temperature elevation  To describe physical principles of heat  To explain the indications and contraindication for use of heating agents  To safely apply thermal agents

3.  The therapeutic application of HEAT

4.  Haemodynamic effects  Neuromuscular  Metabolic  Altered tissue extensibility

5.  Vasodilation – where the heat is applied and in areas distant from the site of application  Temperature between 40 ̊ C to 45 ̊ C  Above 45 ̊C potential for tissue damage

6.  Superficial heating agents do not heat to the depth of most muscles

7.  Changes in nerve conduction velocity and firing rate  Increased pain threshold  Changes in muscle strength

8.  With increase tissue temperature, there is an increased metabolic rate in the area  Increased enzymatic activity and cellular reactions

9.  To increase soft tissue extensibility before stretching,use an agent that will heat the tissue that needs stretching

10.  Pain control  Increased range of motion  Decreased joint stiffness  Accelerated Healing

11.  Decreased muscle spasm  Decreased ischemia  Gating of pain  Tissue healing– increase blood flow

12.  Effects are due to altered tissue tissue extensibility

13.  Increased collagen extensibility with increase in temperature  Application of heat to collagenous tissue before prolonged stretching  Maintains the increase length after cooling  Changes are due to viscoelasticity properties of collagen  Temp increase of 40 - 45 ̊ C for 5 to 10 minutes

14.  Heat therapy accelerates heating by:  Increase circulation and enzymatic activity  Increase oxygen and nutrients to the tissue  Removal of waste products

15.  Impaired sensation  Impaired mentation  Malignant tumor  Recent or potential bleeding/haemorrhage  Thrombophlebitis  Irradiation to the eyes

16.  Sensation may be impaired in the distal extremities of patients with diabetes

17.  Burns  Fainting  Bleeding  Skin & eye damage from infrared radiation

18.  Hot Packs  Paraffin  Fluidotherapy  Infrared lamps

19.  Physical Agents in Rehabilitation: From Research to Practice: Michelle H. Cameron  Physical Agents: Theory And Practice: Barbara J. Behrens, Susan L. Michlovitz  Therapeutic Modalities in Rehabilitation by William Prentice