byMs. B.Nelson

To explain the biophysical effects of temperature elevation

To describe physical principles of heat To explain the indications and

contraindication for use of heating agents To safely apply thermal agents

The therapeutic application of HEAT

Haemodynamic effects Neuromuscular Metabolic Altered tissue extensibility

Vasodilation – where the heat is applied and in areas distant from the site of application

Temperature between 40 % C to 45 % C

Above 45 %C potential for tissue damage

Superficial heating agents do not heat to the depth of most muscles

Changes in nerve conduction velocity and firing rate

Increased pain threshold Changes in muscle strength

With increase tissue temperature, there is an increased metabolic rate in the area

Increased enzymatic activity and cellular reactions

To increase soft tissue extensibility before stretching ,use an agent that will heat the tissue that needs stretching

Pain control Increased range of motion Decreased joint stiffness Accelerated Healing

Decreased muscle spasm Decreased ischemia Gating of pain Tissue healing– increase blood flow

Effects are due to altered tissue tissue extensibility

Increased collagen extensibility with increase in temperature

Application of heat to collagenous tissue before prolonged stretching

Maintains the increase length after cooling Changes are due to viscoelasticity

properties of collagen Temp increase of 40 - 45 % C for 5 to 10

minutes

Heat therapy accelerates heating by: Increase circulation and enzymatic activity Increase oxygen and nutrients to the tissue Removal of waste products

Impaired sensation Impaired mentation Malignant tumor Recent or potential bleeding/haemorrhage Thrombophlebitis Irradiation to the eyes

Sensation may be impaired in the distal extremities of patients with diabetes

Burns

Fainting

Bleeding Skin & eye damage from infrared radiation

Hot Packs

Paraffin

Fluidotherapy

Infrared lamps

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Physical Agents: Theory And Practice: Barbara J. Behrens, Susan L. Michlovitz

Therapeutic Modalities in Rehabilitation by William Prentice