Hydrotherapy - Chapter 13
What supplies and equipment are needed for various immersion baths?
1. Bath tub and bath thermometer 2. Bath towel and mat 3. Shower cap, robe, and slippers for client 4. Bath oil and lotion 5. Bath sheets 6. Compress cloth and basin of cool water 7. Air pillow and towel
What are the four ways heat can be transferred to the body?
1. Conduction is the direct exchange of heat when the surface of the body is in direct contact with the thermal agent (heat pack, immersion bath) 2. Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of the air (steam bath, sauna) 3. Radiation is the transfer of heat by ways of rays contacting the body (the sun, infrared) 4. Conversion is the converting of an energy source into heat as it passes through the bodiy's tissue (diathermy, ultrasonography)
As soon as the cold application is discontinued, there is a secondary and more lasting effect on the area of the body being cooled
1. The skin becomes more warmed and relaxed 2. The surface blood vessels dilate, bringing more blood to the skin 3. Nerve sensitivity increases 4. Adjacent body cells are stimulated in their functional activity
Immediate effects of cold applications:
1. The skin is chilled 2. Surface blood vessels constrict, and blood is driven to the interior of the body 3. Nerve sensitivity is reduced, reducing pain 4. The metabolic activity of body cells slows 5. Inflammation and swelling are reduced. Secondary tissue damage is minimized
What is the recommended amount of time for a cabinet or steam canopy treatment
10-25 minutes
Water temperatures for immersion baths and hydro tubs should not exceed
104 degrees
The temperature in a steam bath is ______ to _____ degrees and the humidity is _____%
105-125 degrees 100%
Water temperatures above ________ should not be used for hydrotherapy
110 degrees .
The temperature in a sauna can be _____ to _____ degrees with the humidity between _____ to _____%
180-190 degrees 5-30%
The boiling point of water
212 degrees
Freezing point of water
32 degrees
Surface temperature of skin
92 degrees
The normal core temperature of the human body
98.6 degrees
An electrical appliance used to heat and store moist hot packs is called
A hydrocollator
This type of bath is given as a stimulant to the pelvic region
A sitz bath Temperature usually 100-104 degrees
Short application of cold 2-5 seconds has
A stimulating effect
Thermal effects are produced by the application of water at temperatures
Above or below that of the body. This is done by baths, wraps, and packs that raise or lower the temperature of the body
Chemical effects
Are produced by any of a variety of products added to bath water or steam such as essential oils, herbal preparations, salt, Epson salt, or baking soda
Contraindications for hydrotherapy
Cardiac impairment, diabetes, lung disease, kidney infection, extremely high or low blood pressure, an infectious skin condition or open wounds
The application of heat
Causes a vasodilation and a circulation increase in an attempt to dissipate heat. A whole-body application of heat raises the core body temperature causing a fever-like reaction which increases the white and red blood cell count, increased metabolism and leukocyte migration
Thermal, mechanical or Chemical
Changes in the body as a result of hydrotherapy are classified
Benefits of a whirlpool bath include
Circulation, soothing to the muscles, and relaxing to the nerves
Water that is 70 degrees or lower is considered
Cold
The application of ice should be of short duration as it causes a series of sensations known as CBAN: which stands for
Cold Burning Aching Numbness
Water that is in the temperature range of 70-90 degrees Is considered
Cool
An extended application of cold 10 to 30 minutes
Depresses metabolic activity
The application of oscillating electromagnetic fields to the tissue is called
Diathermy
Full body applications
Have systemic effects
Examples of dry heat Include
Heating pad Infrared radiation Diathermy Ultrasonography
Temperatures above that of the body are considered
Hot
Prolonged general treatments above 104 degrees can cause
Hyperthermia
Prolonged general treatments below 70 degrees can cause
Hypothermia
Ice massage
Is a local application of cold achieved by massaging a cube of ice over a small area such as a bursa, tendon, or small muscle
Contrast therapy
Is one of the best ways to increase circulation to an area to promote healing, which is the alternate application of heat and cold
Ice treatment can be repeated as often as
Once an hour
Examples of moist heat include
Packs and compresses Wraps Sprays and showers Baths Air baths Steam baths Saunas
Local application of cold is beneficial for
Painful, inflamed and swollen areas. It acts as an analgesic to reduce pain and causes vasoconstriction to limit swelling
This type of bath provides warm relief for achy hands and feet
Paraffin
Mechanical effects are produced by the
Pressure exerted on the surface of the body by sprays, whirlpool baths, and friction
Define the acronym RICE
R = rest I = ice C = compression E = elevation
Buoyancy
Reduces the weight of an object immersed in water according to the volume of water displaced by the object. Buoyancy reduces the force of gravity and makes it possible to move, float, or exercise in a near gravity-free environment
Ice is the first aid for traumatic
Soft tissue injuries
Local applications have
Specific local effects
Quick, short application of cold is
Stimulating and causes a reduction of nerve sensitivity, circulation, muscle spasms, and spasticity. They have a numbing, anesthetic analgesic effect that makes them valuable in relief of acute pain from bursitis, soft tissue injury, burns, and neuralgia
The body reaction can either be
Stimulating or sedating to the circulatory system, the nervous system, and the elimination process
Water that is slightly below normal body temperature is
Tepid to warm (92-96 degrees )
Water treatments are based on the simple physical property of water
That heat, cold, or pressure can be conveyed to many blood vessels and nerves in the skin
Hydrotherapy
The application of water in any of its three forms (solid, liquid, vapor) to the body for therapeutic purposes.
Cryotherapy
The therapeutic process of cooling the body
Thermotherapy
The use of heat for therapeutic purposes
The primary goal of Cryotherapy is
To reduce the tissue temperature.
The universal solvent
Water provides buoyancy In its solid form as ice, it can be used as an effective cooling agent; in its vapor form, it can be used for facials and steam baths; and in its liquid state it can be used for compresses , showers, and immersion baths either to cool or warm the body , depending on the temperature of the body.
This type of bath is a partial submersion bath in which the water is agitated to produce a slight pressure on the body
Whirlpool bath
Sources for the local application of cold include:
• cold compresses • ice packs Chipped or crushed ice in a plastic bag or towel Commercial ice packs •. Ice massage •. Compressor units with thermal packs and controls •. Immersion baths