Methods of Heat Application
Superficial
- Hydrocollator
- silica packs immersed in hot water (70-75° C, 158-167° F)
- temperature is regulated by the amount of time the pack is immersed
- 6-8 layers of toweling is needed to prevent heat loss (insulate pack), while protecting patient skin
- remove jewelry or any other clothing items that are effective heat conductors (metal snaps, clasps, etc)
- select the pack design that provides optimum skin contact (cervical, low back)
- prepare with appropriate draping, pt education ("this should feel warm, not hot"), and visually check skin within 5 to 10 minutes
- maximum skin temp is reached in 10 minutes, and is sustained for up to 10 minutes
- Paraffin
- Fluidotherapy
- Infrared
Be sure to spend time with the "application of heat" linked slide show in preparation for the unit and for lab
A brief video message from Christina on how to use tables like the one below to develop clinical decision-making skills
Contraindications and Precautions for Superficial Heat
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Contraindications |
WHY? Apply knowledge of physiological responses Explain why the contraindications "make sense" |
Precautions |
WHY? Apply knowledge of physiological responses Explain why the precautions "make sense"
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Acute injury or inflammatory response |
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Pregnancy |
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Recent or potential hemorrhage |
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Impaired circulation |
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Poor thermal regulation |
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Impaired sensation |
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Edema |
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Altered mental status |
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Cardiac insufficiency |
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Malignancy |
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Directly over an open wound |
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Infrared irradiation of eyes |
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Implanted metallic devices in the area |
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Directly over an area where topicals have been applied |
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Parameters for Superficial Heat Application
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Hot packs |
15-20 minutes; at least 2 hours wait between applications |
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Fluidotherapy |
15-20 minutes at 100-118 degrees (pt tolerance monitoring) with simultaneous AROM |
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Paraffin wax |
6-10 "dunks", dip-wrap method with wax paper/plastic bag and a towel for insulation at 10-15 minutes while elevated |
