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SHS.315 Lec-01
SHS.315 Lec-01
ELECTROTHERAPY
SHS.315
PLAN
INTRODUCTION
• Physics of heat
• Method of application
• Physiological effects
• Contraindications
PHYSICS OF HEAT
Definition of Heat:
37 degrees in Celsius
• Change of state
• Reduced viscosity
TRANSMISSION OF HEAT
• Conduction
• Convection
• Radiation
CONDUCTION
contact with each other and between different parts of one object
• It occurs more readily in objects that are good conductors like metal
CONVECTION
• Convection currents set up and transfer heat from one part to another
RADIATION
• Hot object emits infra-red and possibly also visible and ultraviolet rays
• Travel away from the point at which they are produced until they
• Whirlpool bath
• Contrast bath
• Sauna bath
• Heliotherapy
Hydrocollator Hot Packs
The hydro-collator unit is a stainless steel tank in which silica gel packs are
heated.
The capacities of the machines vary, and all units have insulated bases, the
The units contain a wire rack which acts as divider for the packs and prevents
It can be left on continuously as long as there is enough water in the tank.
Hydrocollator Hot Packs
The main property of the gel is its capability to absorb many times its
own volume of water and when heated, to give moist heat for 30 to
When they begin to wear out the filler leaks out and makes the water
1. Heat production
2. Temperature Elevation
5. Hyperemia
Indirect effect of Heating
• Relief of pain
• Increase in ROM
• Breakage of Adhesions
2. The packs are of various sizes which fit most clinical needs.
6. The pads can be laid out ready for the patient to place on the affected part.
Disadvantages:
• Temperature – 40 – 45 degree C
• Reference:
Lohman III, E. B., et al. (2011). "A comparison of the effect of a variety of thermal and vibratory modalities on skin temperature and
blood flow in healthy volunteers." Medical science monitor: international medical journal of experimental and clinical research 17(9):
MT72.
Clinical application:
• Used as a first protocol of treatment in all scenarios except
contraindications
• To relax patient
• To decrease pain
• To make patient more approachable
• Must be applied in patient preferred relaxing position
• Although lying supine or prone is considered most comfortable
positions.
• No hard and fast rule on the shape of hot pack and its application
Clinical case:
• Mr Jones is a 45 year old male who has low back pain for 2 weeks. He
states that pain radiates to right leg and also reports of tingling and
numbness sensation in right leg. He describes that pain increases with
activity and decrease with rest.
• To develop the treatment plan for this patient first of all you have to
apply hot pack at the lumber region for about 15 to 20 mins before
incorporating any other therapy just to provide patient some pain
relief and relaxation which will be helpful in further treatment
process.
SUMMARY
• Physics of heat
• Method of application
• Physiological effects
• Contraindications
QUIZ
• Hot Packs
• Whirlpool therapy
• Sauna Bath
QUIZ
• Hot Packs
• Whirlpool therapy
• Sauna Bath
QUIZ
• Conduction
• Convection
• Radiation
QUIZ
• Conduction
• Convection
• Radiation