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Chapter 9

ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Integrate the principles of physics, pain, inflammation and

repair process in the application of UVR.
2. Explain the indications, contraindications and precautions of
UVR.
3. Justify the use of UVR as an adjunct to the rehabilitation
program.
4. Perform the proper techniques and procedures in applying the
UVR.
5. Demonstrate proper patient handling and time management in
applying UVR.
6. Document the treatment.

UST CRS PT DEPARTMENT ACADEMIC YEAR 2016-2017 PT 2 WORKSHEET

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ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

CHRISTIAN REY D. RIMANDO, PTRP

Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) falls PRECAUTIONS AND

below the visible light on EM spectrum. CONTRAINDICATIONS
UV portion can be divided into UVA, UVB,
Photosensitivity
and UVC.
Fever
Active TB
In PT practice, UVR is usually
Severe cardiac involvement
used for wound healing, dermatologic Acute diabetes
problems (e.g. psoriasis), exfoliation, Acute skin pathologies
and tissue repair. Received superficial heating modality prior to
UVR application
Patients who just took certain medications
LAWS OF OPTIC PHYSICS Renal diseases
RELEVANT TO UVR: Cancer
Inverse Square Law Infants and elderlies
Law of Cosines Patients with little pigmentation

UVR APPLICATION

Hot Quartz Cold Quartz

Procedures

90 75 60 45 30 15

Erythrometer

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Method of Determining Minimal Erythemal Dose

1. Make an erythrometer.
2. Prepare the body area/part to be tested.
3. Tape the erythrometer on that body area/part.
4. Cover all the holes in the erythrometer.
5. Properly drape the patient.
6. Let the patient wear goggles.
7. Position the UV lamp perpendicular on the testing area/part.
8. Preheat the UV lamp.
9. Open the shutters and expose only the first hole. After 15 seconds, open then
second hole. Uncover the subsequent holes for the succeeding 15-second
intervals.
10. Turn the machine off and perform aftercare.
11. Instruct the patient to check the area every 2 hours while awake. Check
which symbol appeared last and first to fade away. This will determine the
patient’s minimal erythemal dose (MED)

General Application of UVR

1. Wash the area with soap and water and clean the wound of any debris.
2. Dry the area thoroughly.
3. Position the patient properly.
4. Apply proper draping procedures.
5. Put the goggles on.
6. For cold quartz, tape tongue
DOCUMENTATION
depressors protruding on the front
part of the machine (~1 inch).
7. Preheat the machine for 1-3 minutes UVR using Hot Quartz x
(if necessary). duration of the treatment in
8. Position the machine perpendicularly seconds on area treated to
over the part/area to be treated. rationale of treatment
9. Turn the machine on and expose the
area for the required time e.g. UVR using Hot
10. Apply the necessary parameters Quartz x 40 sec on
(duration). (L) elbow to
11. Frequently check the patient. promote wound
12. Turn the machine off. healing.
13. Perform aftercare.

REFERENCES:

Hecox B, Mehreteab TA, Weisberg J. 1994. Physical Agents. Appleton & Lange Connecticut.
Cameron, MH. 2003. Physical Agents in Rehabilitation From Research to Practice. Elsevier Science USA.
Michlovitz, S. (1996). Thermal Agents in Rehabilitation. F.A Davis, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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________________________________________________ Questions

You have a patient who has an ulcer at the calcaneus. Based on assessment, you
observed signs of infection. As the therapist, you opted to use UVR.

1. What type of UVR is more appropriate for this patient? Explain.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

2. What dosage will you use for this patient? Explain.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

3. How will the patient benefit from the use of UVR?

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

After the practice session, try to answer the following

questions. Answers must be posted on the course site’s
discussion forum on Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) not later
than November 10, 6 pm.

1. Are there any precautions or contraindications in the case given? If yes, why
are these scenarios considered as such? If none, what are the necessary
steps in checking for precautions or contraindications?
2. How did you position the patient?
3. How long was the duration of the treatment?
4. What is your treatment rationale in using UVR?
5. Properly document the procedure performed.

UST CRS PT DEPARTMENT ACADEMIC YEAR 2016-2017 PT 2 WORKSHEET