THERMOTHERAPY Moist Heat Packs

MAIN IDEA OF THERMOTHERAPY

• Provide comfort by:• Increasing circulation • Decreasing localized pain• Reduce edema• Reduce Muscle Spasms• Reduce Joint stiffness

• Heat also increases collagen elasticity to the area where heat is applied

• Heat Increases blood flow to the area which promotes healing.

• There are multiple categories that fall into thermotherapy. But were only going to talk about Moist Heat Packs

MOIST HEAT PACKS

• Moist heat packs- Silicate gel in a cotton pad immersed in 170 degrees of hot water

• Apply 15-20 Minutes• Layers of towels are used between packs and the skin to avoid burning. As

packs cool remove towels• Deep tissues are not significantly heated

Inhibited by subcutaneous fat acts as insulator• Patient should be in comfortable position• Patients should not lie on the hot pack because heat can not dissipate out.

MAIN IDEA OF MOIST HEAT PACKS

• Moist heat packs are a method of healing through conduction• Benefits of using Moist Heat Packs is relaxation of the

muscle area and reduction in the muscle spasm/ pain cycle.• Used for subacute to chronic pain.

SOURCE

• Sports medicine essentials. Core concepts in athletic training and fitness instruction. 2nd edition. By: Jim Clover Pg.(#585-587)