Thermotherapy involves the application of Heat. The most common heating agent used in rehabilitation is a hot pack. Hot packs transfer their heat energy to the body by conduction. Superficial heat usually produces temperature elevation in the underlying tissues to a depth of up to 1cm. Adipose tissue acts as an insulating layer, which decreases the depth of heat. The packs can retain heat up to 30 minutes. With superficial heat, local metabolism is increased and local vasodilatation with hyperemia occurs. Initial vasoconstriction is produced in deep tissue layers, followed by vasodilatation. Hot packs also promote muscle relaxation as well as sedation of sensory nerve endings.
EFFECTS OF THERMOTHERAPY
- Increase in the blood flow by vasodilatation.
- Increases the oxygen uptake thus increasing tissue healing.
- Increases the metabolic rate.
- Increases tissue extensibility.
CONDITIONS TREATED
- Osteoarthritis.
- Strains and Sprains.
- Tendonitis.
- Warming up stiff Muscles or Tissue before activity.
- Relieving pain or spasms relating to neck or back injury, including lower back, sub-acute or chronic traumatic and inflammatory conditions.
- Preheating before electrical stimulation.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- New injury.
- Open wounds.
- Acute inflammation conditions.
- Metastasis of malignancies.
- Areas of active bleeding.
- Cardiac insufficiency.
- Peripheral vascular disease.