Hot and cold application PDF

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HOT APPLI CATI ON and COLD THERAPY Hot and cold are applied to a part or all of the patient’s body to bring about a local or systematic change in body’s temperature for various therapeutic purposes. Applications of heat and cold are commonly used in the hospital and homes as therapeutic measures in the hospitals, these measures are carried out at the direction of the physician. heat and cold applications also serve as comfort measures. applications of heat and cold are also used in the course of physical medicine as part of a rehabilitation programme such as paraffin bath, whirlpool bath etc. HOT APPLI CATI ON Descri pt i onoft hepr ocedur e/ t opi c Warm compresses and commercial moist heat packs are examples of moist heat applications used for variety of conditions. A warm compress is a section of sterile or clean gauze moistened with a prescribed heated solution and applied directly to an affected area. Compresses can be warmed and replaced intermittently or, in the case of a gauze compress, heated continuously with a temperature controlled aquathermia pad placed over the compress. Moist heat application also includes use of warm baths and sitz baths. A bath or soak involves immersion of a body part into a warmed solution. Sitz baths are disposable and especially easy to use in the home. Patients who have painful hemorrhoids, have had an episiotomy, or have undergone perineal or rectal surgery benefit from a sitz bath because the therapy promotes circulation and debrides wounds. Moist heat penetrates quickly and deeply and effectively increases the temperature of subcutaneous tissue. Use caution when applying any form of moist heat because prolonged exposure increases the risk for a burn. Hot application is the application of hot agent, warmer than skin either in a moist or dry form on the surface of the body to relieve pain and congestion, to provide warmth, to promote suppuration, to promote healing, to decrease muscle tone and to softens the exudates.Temperature is between 30 – 45 deg. C, electric moist-heat pad with on-off control, hot compresses; not a cream or lotion with a heating effect.

When heat is applied it often causes the soft tissue to relax and to become more supple. The heat application will result in an increase of blood flow to the area or what is also known as vasodilation. The result of this increased relaxation can be used to decrease joint stiffness, decrease muscle stiffness, and reduce pain. From a hands-on approach, if your client presents to you with a complaint of a tight muscle or a stiff joint, the use of a heating pad or moist heat wrap prior to massage will help relax that area, making it easier to manipulate the soft tissue involved. Hot stone massage is another way to implement a heat application directly into your massage routine. It's also important to remember that longer doesn't mean more effective. The effects of heat on soft tissue is limited, and can only do so much. The maximum benefit from the use of heat is between 15 - 20 minutes. Anything longer will not increase the benefit for the client. Also remember to make sure you check the area the heat is being applied to avoid a superficial skin burn. It's important to communicate with your client and work together. I ndi cat i onsf orHotAppl i cat i on  With chronic injuries - two weeks or more and have persisted for a length of time  Fibromyalgia  Osteoarthritis  Tension headaches  With colds, sinusitis or respiratory tract infections (through steam inhalations)  For relaxation (baths)  Before deep stretching.  After deep tissue work from a therapist.

 Before exercise to warm the muscles.  Promotes circulation to an injured area; promotes healing

 Aids in removing debris from infected wound  Relieves muscle spasm  Relieves pain (muscular relaxation)  Overcomes feelings of chilliness  Raises body temp  Decrease pain  Decrease muscle tone  Promotes suppuration  Relives deep congestion  Softens the exudates  Provide warmth  Stimulates peristalsis  Limits accumulation of edema  Controls bleeding  Produces an anesthetic effect Examples of Hot Applications 1.Heating Pad: place a towel over the area to be treated, apply for up to 10 minutes checking regularly that the skin is not becoming too hot. 2. Wax Baths (Paraffin Wax): within a commercially temperature controlled unit, dip hand or foot into paraffin wax 6 to 10 times, allowing wax to cool between each dip; then place plastic bag over the hand or foot to protect surfaces from the wax; wrap in a towel to retain the heat for up to 20 minutes; peel off wax. 3. Full Body Baths: keep temperature below 38 degrees to reduce a stimulating effect especially before bed; keep a cool cloth handy for the forehead and a glass of drinking water to keep you hydrated; herbal extracts, Epsom or Dead Sea Salts(1/2cup – 2 cups) can be added to the water; soak up to 20 minutes. 4. Steam Inhalations: sit in front of bowl filled with water that had been brought to boiler stand at stove over pot of water - herbal extracts may also

be added; cover head, shoulders and pot with a large towel; close the eyes and inhale steam for up to 10minutes; allow cool air in as needed if too hot; keep a cool cloth handy to wipe the face. Pur poseofHotAppl i cat i on

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Vasodilatation and increases blood flow to the affected area Bringing (oxygen, nutrients, antibodies, and leukocytes) Promote soft tissue healing process Sedative effect Increase inflammation Facilitate removal of waste Promote relaxation of muscles, so it relieves muscle pain Systemic effects: include, increase cardiac output, increase heart rate and decrease blood pressure

o To relive pain congestion o To promote healing o To decrease muscle tone o To soften the exudates o Heat decreases pain o Heat decreases muscle tone o Heat promotes healing o Heat promotes suppuration o Heat relieves deep suppuration o Heat provides warmth and comfort o Heat stimulates peristalsis o To promote circulation o To relieve congestion and reduce edema or inflammation o To promote tissue relaxation o To dry casts, moist wounds and burns...