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