Techniques of Application: Paraffin Wax Bath

Paraffin Wax Bath

Paraffin wax bath is one the most convenient, accessible and reasonably efficient in heating distal extremities such as fingers and feet. It is a mixture of paraffin and mineral oil in ratio of 6:1 or 7:1.

The wax melting point is around 52 to 54 degree C.

Paraffin wax bath has 3 properties:

1. Low Specific Heat – this is due to capability of mineral oil to lower paraffin melting point

- Patient can tolerate the heat of the paraffin than the other heating modalities.

2. Low Thermal Conductivity- it gives off heat slowly
3. Self Insulating- capability of a wax to form a layer that creates a thin layer of air next to the skin which acts as an insulator

*Paraffin Wax Bath can increase skin temp up to 12 to 13 deg C in first 2 mins.

*At the end of the treatment , it can increase 5 deg C in fascia and 2-3 deg C in superficial muscles.

Duration: 15-20 mins

Techniques of Application

1. Get patient’s vital sign
2. Check the paraffin temp. It should be around 40 to 44 deg C on the thermometer. You can also test by dipping your fingers directly to the wax. Show it to the patient as a demonstration.
3. Let the patient washed the area to be treated (usually hand and foot) and remove all the jewelries,
4. Position the patient with the part to be treated relaxed and comfortable
5. Inspect the area to be treated for abrasions, cuts, wounds, scars, edema and other circulatory dysfunction.
6. Test patient’s sensation as to hot and cold.
7. Give the rationale to the patient as to the intensity, duration and the purpose of the treatment
8. Position the patient and instruct him to dip the part in and out of the paraffin so that a thick coat of paraffin congeals on the skin. (usually 10 dips)
9. Wrap the part in a layer of greaseproof of paper and towels to retain the heat.
10. Set a timer. Treatment time of 15-20 mins

Post Treatment Procedure

1. When the treatment completed, remove the towel carefully
2. Remove the paraffin glove by loosening the top going down
3. Inspect and dry the area treated
4. After removal, the paraffin glove is deposited to a special container and will be placed back and melted in the paraffin bath at the end of the day.

Common Techniques in the Application of Paraffin Wax Bath

1. Dip- Immersion Technique – patient dip in the paraffin bath ten times and will be immersed for 15 mins
2. Glove Technique – patients dips in the paraffin bath ten times and will be covered by paper and towel for 15 mins
3. Brush Technique- commonly used for children, with fingers separated, PT dips and brushes the patient’s finger until a layer of paraffin is formed. Wrapped the area for 20 mins.

References:

Thermal Agents in Rehabilitation by Michlovitz

Electrophysical Agents in Physiotherapy by Wadsworth

Physical Agents by Hecox