Techniques of Application: Fluidotherapy

Fluidotherapy

Fluidotherapy is a dry heat agent that transfers heat through convection. Warm air is circulated through a container with extremely solid particle. The solid particle is suspended by circulating air thus producing an effect similar to circulating warm liquid. The fluidotherapy unit comes in different sizes with four openings for the insertion of limb. The upper opening is used for distal upper extremities and the lower opening for lower distal extremities. Some paraffin wax bath with larger units can accommodate the lower back and thigh areas.

Duration: 20 mins

Techniques of Application

1. Get the patient’s Vital Signs
2. Let the patient washed the area to be treated (usually hand and foot) and remove all the jewelries.
3. Position the patient with the part to be treated relaxed and comfortable
4. Inspect the area to be treated for abrasions, cuts, wounds, scars, edema and other circulatory dysfunction.
5. Test patient’s sensation as to hot and cold
6. Give the rationale to the patient as to the intensity, duration and the purpose of the treatment
7. Insert the part into the sleeve and close it snugly around the more proximal portion of the limb
8. Instruct the patient not to come out once the blower is turned on
9. Set the thermostat usually 38.8 to 47.8 deg C (102 to 118 def F)
10. Set the timer for 15 mins
11. Instruct the patient to exercise the extremities while inside the unit if indicated to the treatment. PT can also used the other openings to stretch and help the patient exercise.

Post Treatment Procedure

1. When treatment is finished, loosen the sleeve

2. Help the patient to remove all particles before removing the limb in the unit

3. Inspect the part

4. Get Vital Signs or proceed to other treatment if necessary

References:

Thermal Agents in Rehabilitation by Michlovitz

Physical Agents by Hecox

Electrophysical Agent in Physiotherapy by Wadsworth