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Hydrocollator Packs (FARHIN) 1
Hydrocollator Packs (FARHIN) 1
INTRODUCTION
• Hot Packs are a way of transferring heat to the patient by conduction.
Commercial hot packs is one of the most common ways to deliver superficial moist heat.
• Commercially available packs consist of silicate gel, such as bentonite enclosed in a cotton fabric
container.
• Bentonite is used for this application because it can hold a large quantity of water for the efficient
delivery of heat.
• The gel is contained in a set of separated fabric pockets, like a duvet so that the whole pack is
flexible and the gel confined.
• Hot packs are made in various sizes and shapes designed to fit different areas of the body.
• They are heated by being placed in a special tank of water warmed to 75-
80ºC by an electric heater controlled by a thermostat.
• This type of hot pack initially takes 2 hours to heat and 30 minutes to reheat
between each use.
• The capacities of the machines vary, and all units have insulated bases, the
larger machines being insulated with fiberglass.
• The units contain a wire rack which acts as divider for the packs and
prevents contact of packs with the bottom of the tank.
APPLICATION TECHNIQUE
Equipment required:-
• Hot pack in a variety of sizes and shapes appropriate for different areas og
the body.
• Specialized heating unit.
• Towels
• Hot pack covers (optional)
• Timer
• Bell
Procedure:-
• Remove clothing and jewelry from area to be treated and inspect the area.
• Hot pack covers, which come in various sizes to match the hot packs, can
submit for 2-3 layers of towel.
• More layers should be used if the towel or hot pack covers are old and have
become thin, or if the patient complains of feeling too warm during
treatment.
• The towels can be preheated to achieve more uniform heating throughout
the treatment period.
• More layers of towels should be used if the body part is on top of the hot
pack than if the hot pack is placed over the body part, because when body
part is on top of the pack the towel are compressed, reducing insulation of
the body and the underlying table provide more insulation to the pack,
causing it to cool more slowly.
• Provide the patient with a bell or other means to call for assistance while the
hot pack is on and instruct the patient to call immediately if he or she
experience any increase in discomfort.
• If the patient feels too hot, extra towels should be placed between the hot pack
and the patient.
• If the patient does not feel hot few layers of towels should be used at the next
treatment session.
• After 5 min, check the patient’s report and inspect the area being treated for
excessive redness, blistering, or other sign of burning.
• Discontinue the treatment in the presence of burning, if there is any sign of burning,
brief application of cold pack or an ice pack is recommended to curtail the
inflammatory response.
• After 20 min. remove the hot pack and inspect the treatment area.
• It is normal for the area to appear slightly red and to feel warm to the touch.
INDICATIONS
1. Pain
2. Muscle spasm
3. Inflammation.
4. Edema.
5. Adhesions
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
• Impaired Skin Sensation
• Circulatory dysfunction
• Analgesic drugs
• Infections and open wounds
• Cancer and Tuberculosis
• Gross Oedema
• Lack of Comprehension
• Deep X-Ray Therapy
ADVANTAGE
• A hydro-collator pack is easy to apply
• The packs are of various sizes which fit most clinical needs.
• Moist heat has a more sedative effect than dry heat.
• low cost, minimal maintenance, long life
• Maximal temperatures are more uniform than in electrically-heated pads.
• The patient does not need much handling.
• The pads can be laid out ready for the patient to place on the affected part.
• Readily available for patient purchase and home use.
DISADVANTAGE
• A hydro-collator pack is not easily applied around shoulders and hips.
• It is somewhat heavy and should not be used on extremely sensitive
patients, since it can create discomfort.
• Sometimes moist packs have a tendency to cause a skin rash.
• Hot pack must be moved to observe the treatment area during treatment.
• Active motion not practical during movement.