Sample Outline: Superficial Heating Modality

Superficial Heating Modalities

Conductive Heating- transfer of heat between two objects in contact

Example: Hot Moist Pack, Paraffin Wax Bath

Convective Heating- transfer of heat by means of convection currents, which arise due to temperature and density differences in various parts of a fluid

Example: Fluidotherapy

Radiant Heating- emitted from a substance with a temperature greater than absolute zero, it can flow without any medium

Example: Infrared Lamp

~Biophysical Effects of Heat

The skin tolerance to heat is 44 degree Celsius.

*42 degree Celsius for 2 hours can cause burn

*44 degree Celsius for more than 30 mins can cause burn

* greater than 45 degree Celsius 5 to 10 mins cause burn

*** the safest temp is 44 degree Celsius fro 20 -30 mins

1. Metabolic Reactions- governed by Vant Hoff’s Law

- Energy expenditure will increase in increasing temperature

- 2 possible reactions

a. Increase in phagocytosis which hasten the healing process and repair of damaged tissue

b. Arteriolar dilatation

2. Vascular Effects

- Decrease viscosity of blood

- Due to Vasodilation

Effects of Vasodilation

a. Increase in nutrient s and leukocytes that enhances tissue healing

b. Increase in the rate of clearing metabolites which decrease pain and muscle spasm

c. Increase the amount of cooler blood arriving at the area and warmer blood being carried away which helps prevent tissue damage

*Relflex Heating- technique which the application of heat in one area of the body lead to an increase in cutaneous circulation and other reactions in another body.

- usually used for patient with Diabetes Milletus and Peripheral Vascular Disease

- Example:

heating the leg or arm opposite to the one heated

ipsilateral extremity upper extremity when the lower extremity is heated

lower extremity when the lower back or abdomen is heated

3. Neuromuscular Effects

- Provide analgesia

- Assist in the resolution of muscle-guarding spasms through:

*Elevate pain threshold

*Alter nerve conduction velocity

*Change muscle spindle firing rate

- Alter Strength and Endurance – decrease in strength and endurance during or after exposure to heat

4. Connective Tissue Effects

- With combination of stretching, heat provides elongation of connective tissue

Indication of Heating Modalities

1. Pain and Muscle Spasm

2. Sub Acute to Chronic Edema

3. Sub Acute to Chronic Inflammation

4. Adhesions and Scars with combination of mobilization and stretching

Contraindication of Heating Modalities

1. Impaired skin sensation

2. Dermatological conditions such as eczema and dermatitis

3. Circulatory dysfunction such as varicose veins and DVT

4. Patients taking analgesic Drugs

5. Acute infections and open wounds

6. Cancer and Tuberculosis

7. Lack of comprehension

8. Deep x-ray therapy within 3 months

9. Liniments

ReReferences:

TThermal Agents in Rehabilitation by Wolf

Thermal Agents in Rehabilitation by Susan Michlovitz

Electrophysical Agents in Physiotherapy by Wadsworth

Physical Agents by Bernadette Hecox