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PARAFFIN
WAX
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INTRODUCTION Therapeutic wax bath is one of the
forms of heating conduction by wax.
Wax baths are available in manyvariations of size and shape.
The melted wax need to be maintained
at a temperature of 40- 44degree . So thermostatic control is essential.
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ApparatusWax bath tank. Stainless steel.
Height adjustable. Thermostat control.
Temperature :- 40-44 degrees. Liquid paraffin (natural oil) + wax.
Ratio is 6:1 or 7:1.
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Mode of Action Water at 45 temp is uncomfortable and can cause
damage.
Specific heat of water :- 4.2 kj/kg/degree c.
Specific heat of wax :-2.7 kj/kg/degree c. Therefore , the energy released by wax is 1 degree
c cooler than that of water.
The wax transmits its latent heat to tissues bygiving up its energy as it solidifies.
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TECHNIQUESOF
APPLICATION:- Dip and wrap method
Dip and re-immersion method Painting or brushing method
Bandaging and toweling method
Direct pouring method or bath method
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Dip and Wrap
Method. Extremity is dipped for few minutes and
taken out. Repeated 7-12 times.
Wrap with a insulator sheet of plastic.
Site fingers, wrist, toes, ankle.
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Dip and Re-
immersion Method Part is dipped and taken out to solidify, a
white coat will form. Again re-immerse.
Repeat 10-12 layers. Wrap with plastic sheet for 15-20 minutes.
Site- fingers, thumb, wrist, foot, ankle.
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Painting and
brushing method Use painting brush.
Make 6-8 layers of wax. Site- arm, elbow, forearm, wrist,
thigh, knee, shinbone, ankle.
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Bandaging and
Towel Method 4-6gauge bandage is used.
A two folded length one feet ischosen , it is immersed in paraffinwax bath tub then taken out andapplied over the area after releasing
the extra wax. Site:- shoulder, greater trochenter.
Di P i
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DirectPouring or
Bath Method Melted wax of tolerable temperature is
directly poured over the area with cup ormug drop by drop.
10-12 layers.
Wrap in plastic sheet.
Site: elbow, forearm, knee, shinbone,ankle.
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METHODS OFAPPLICATION
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Preparation of Patient
Clean the part to be treated.
Check for cuts, rashes, infection, blisters etc.
Position the patient accordingly and comfortably. Explain about the nature of treatment.
Examine the sensation of the patient.
Remove clothing and jewellery etc. Heat should be warm within comfortable limits.
Stay near the patient.
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Preparation of the
Apparatus Wax should be melted.
Temperature : 45 degree.
Do not touch the tub.
Check the temperature before Rx.
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Important Points
Time o f Rx:- 20 minutes
( 15-30 minutes)
Coating:- 2 mm-3 mm per layer;total 9-14 mm thickness.
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Termination
Remove the towel, plastic sheet, wax.
Do not drop wax on the floor.
Inspect and dry the part. Put all the used wax into the tub at the
end of day.
Clean the part with dry cotton.
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Follow up Inspect for erythema, skin colour,
burn.
Warn the patient not to apply ice orcold water till 2 or 3 hrs after the Rx.
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Indications
1. Pain.
2. Spasm.
3. Contracted deformity.4. Adhesive scar.
5. Stiffness.
6. Arthritic joints7. Post-op #.
8. Mobilization of joints.
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Contraindications
Open wounds---delays healing.
Allergic rash
Skin conditions.
Defective arterial blood supply---DVT ,varicose veins.
Impaired skin sensation.
Fever. Malignancy.
Acute injury.
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Advantages
Risk of burns is less ( low specific heat.)
Risk of overheating is less. ( low thermal
conductivity) Best for irregular areas as melted heat is
used.
Oil add moisture. Comfortable.
Cheap.
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Dis-advantages
For distal extremities
No method of temperature control
ones wax is applied.Heating last only for 20 minutes .
Exercises may not be performedsimultaneously.
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EFFECTS
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CirculatoryEffects Stimulate capillaries and
arterioles thus cause local
hyperemia and reflexvasodilatation.
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MetabolicReaction
Is increased.
Increases energy expenditure.
Increases protein denaturation.
ff
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Vascular effect
Axon reflex
Release of chemical mediators
Local spinal cord reflex.
N M l
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NeuroMuscular
Effect SedationAnalgesia.
Decrease pain.
Decrease spasm.
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EffectontheSkin
Make the skin Pliable and soft.
Soften the scars and adhesions.
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ConnectiveTissue
Effect Temperature elevation and stretch can
alter visco elastic properties of connective
tissue.
Plastic elongation.
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THANKYOUPomila Chopra