Superficial heating

modalities

Superficial Heating Modalities

1.
2.
3.
4.

Paraffin wax bath therapy

Hot packs / Hydro collator Packs
Electric heating PADS
Whirlpool bath

Paraffin WAX bath therapy

Application of molten paraffin wax over body parts.
Temperature of paraffin wax is maintained at 40 to 44C, melting point is
51-55C. Molten wax at 51-55C is poured on body parts , it may cause burn
over the body tissues, thats why some impurity is added to lower down its
melting point such as liquid paraffin or mineral oil.
Paraffin wax bath therapy provides about six times the amount of heat
available in water because mineral oil in the paraffin lowers its melting
point.
The combination of paraffin and mineral oil has low specific heat which
enhances the patients ability to tolerate heat from paraffin better than that
from water of the same temperature.

Techniques of application

Effects and uses

Direct pouring method

It provides superficial heating to the
tissues .
Brushing method
Direct immersion or dipping method It increases local circulation to the area
It increases pliability of skin
Toweling or bandaging method
It reduces stiffness and pain.

Indications
RA
Osteoarthritis
Joint stiffness
Adhesions
Post immobilization stiffness, scars on
the skin.

Contraindications
Open wounds
Skin rashes
Allergic condition
Impaired skin sensation
Defective arterial supply

Maintenance of paraffin Wax Bath unit

Sterile the paraffin WAX bath by
heating it to 212F.
For sterilization should be done
frequently.
Drain the melted paraffin wax, filter
it out and replace it back for reuse.
Change the wax at least once in 6
months.

Hot packs / hydro collator Packs

Hot packs are those packs which are immersed
in an apparatus called hydro collator.
The temperature inside the hot pack ranges
b/w 65 to 80C.
The aim of the hot pack is to rise the body
temperature 40 to 45C.

Effects and uses

Effect on muscular spasm
Local rise in temperature
Increase of local circulation
Skin and connective tissue
Relieve of pain.

Contraindication
Impaired skin sensation
Open wounds
Recent hemorrhage
Skin allergy
Impaired circulation

Electric Heating PADS

These are used to provide raised temperature of 40 to 45C to body
parts.
The main advantage of using electric heating pads is that they can be
used at home by patient themselves and are cheaper and flexible.
The common effects produced are increased in local circulation, relief
of spasm, relieve of pain and inc in ROM.
Contraindications are Impaired skin sensation, Open Wounds, recent
hemorrhage, skin allergy and impaired circulation.

Whirlpool Bath
Principle of whirlpool bath therapy is to combine the effects of
temperature with the mechanical effects of the water.
Warm whirlpool contains water at temp ranges b/w 36 to 45C and a jet
of water or air stream is allowed to produce turbulence in the water.
This turbulence can also be produced by electric motor incorporated
into the apparatus.

For More Notes and Past Papers of

Physio Subjects.
Contact on . 03052258725