Heat and Cold Therapy – Flashcards
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What are the temperature for a very cold application?
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below 15C (59F) Application: ice bags
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What are the temperatures for a cold application?
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15C-18C (59-65F) Application: Cold pack
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What are the temperatures for a cool application?
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18C-27C (65-80) Application: Cold compress
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What are the temperatures for a tepid application?
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27C-37C (80-98F) Applications: Alcohol sponge bath
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What are the temperatures for a warm application?
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37C-40C (98-105) Application: warm bath, aquathermia pads
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What are the temperatures for a hot application?
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40C-46C (105-115F) Application: hot soak, irrigations, hot compress
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What are the temperatures for a very hot application?
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above 46C (Above 115F) Application: Hot water bags for adults
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What does a hot application do
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promotes circulation: increases blood flow via vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, reduced blood viscosity, brings O2 and WBCs to the wound, promotes delivery of nutrients and removal of waste products from the tissue - relieves stiffness from the musculoskeletal problems - decreases muscle tension - promotes relaxation - if applied over a large area, watch for a drop in b/p
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What are some indications for heat?
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- joint stiffness from arthritis - contractures - low back pain
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What are methods for applying dry heat?
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- hot water bottle - aquathermia pad - disposable heat pack - electric pad
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What are methods for applying moist heat?
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- soak - sitz bath
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What are effects of cold?
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- vasoconstriction - decreases capillary permeability - decerases cellular metabolism - slows bacterial growth - decreases inflammation - decreased muscle tension - local anesthetic effect Wounds: cold decreases blood flow to wounds (inhibits healing)
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What are indications for cold?
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used to reduce inflammation; limits edema - sprains - strains - fractures - post injury swelling and bleeding
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What does RICE stand for?
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Rest Apply ICE Compression (wrap in an ace bandage/splint, or plaster cast) Elevate above the heart
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What are methods for applying dry cold?
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- cold pack - ice bag - ice glove - ice collar
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What are methods for applying moist cold?
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- compress - cooling sponge bath
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How often should a cold pack be applied for?
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Intermittently for the first 24 hours, leaving it in place for no longer than 15 minuets at a time
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What is the rebound phenomenon?
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When the maximum effect of the hot or cold application is achieved then the opposite effect begins to occur
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What is the rebound phenomenon for heat?
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Heat produces maximum vasodilation in 20-30 min; continuation beyond 30-45 min causes tissue congestion and vasoconstriction for reasons unknown
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What is the rebound phenomenon for cold?
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Cold maximum vasoconstriction occurs when the involved skin reaches 15C (60F). Below 15C vasodilation begins. this is protective response: helps to prevent freezing of body tissues normally exposed to cold such as the nose and ears
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What are effects of thermal tolerance?
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- sensory impairment - perception issues, unable to perceive heat/cold damage occurring - impaired mental status: must be monitored during applications - impaired nerves and circulation:PVD, diabetes, CHF, lack normal ability to dissipate heat via the blood circulation, puts them at risk for tissue damage
