MOIST HEAT THERAPY/

HYDROCOLLATOR PACKS
 INTRODUCTION

• Hot packs are a way of transferring heat to the patient

by conduction.
• Commercial hot packs is one of the most commonly
ways to deliver superficial moist heat.
• The heating unit is called a HYDROCOLLATOR UNIT .
 HYDROCOLLATOR UNIT

• The hydrocollator unit is a stainless steel tank in which

silica gel packs or bentonite crystal packs are heated.
• 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.
 HYDROCOLLATOR UNIT

• These packs are stored in thermostatically controlled

and maintains water in the unit at a temperature
between 70-80 degree Celsius
• It can be left on continuously as long as there is
enough water in the tank.
• A hydrocollator pack s good in anu situation that
requires penetrating heat.
 HYDROCOLLATOR PACKSS

• Any hydrocollator pack is a fabric envelope

containing silica gel or bentonite crystal packs.
• The main property of the gel or crystal is its
✔ Capability to absorb many times its own volume of
water.
✔ Provides a considerable store of heat energy.
HYDROCOLLATOR PACKS

• These packs are heated in a hydro-collator unit.

• It gives moist heat for 30 to 40 minutes.
• Packs come in various sizes and shapes.
• A special collar pattern pack for the neck is usually
available.
 HYDROCOLLATOR PACKS

The packs are wrapped in:

• Turkish towels-6-8 layers of towelling.
• Special/commercial terry cloth blankets.
• Large packs may be wrapped in bath blankets.
• The packs last about six months
• When they begin to wear out the filler leaks out and
makes the water cloudy; they should then be replaced.
HYDROCOLLATOR PACK

• The pack is applied to the body after being wrapped

adequately in towelling or blankets.
• This provides THERMAL INSULATION.
• The pack is at above 75 degree Celsius.
• The skin temperature does not rise above 42 degree
Celsius or so.
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF HEAT

• Hemodynamic effect

• Neuromuscular effect

• Metabolic effect

• Tissue extensibility
• Neuromuscular effect:
Increased NCV
Increased pain threshold
Changes in muscle strength
• Metabolic effect:
Increased metabolic rate
• Tissue extensibility
Increased tissue extensibility
METHODS OF APPLICATION

• Silica pack immersed in hot water.

• Temperature is regulated by the amount of time the pack is
immersed.
• 6-8 layers of towelling is needed to prevent heat
loss(insulate pack),while protecting patient skin.
• Remove jewellery or any other clothing items that are
effective heat conductors(metal snaps, clasps, etc)
• Select the pack design that provides optimum skin
contact(cervical, low back)
• Prepare with appropriate draping, Patient education, and
visually check skin within 5 to 10 minutes.
• Maximum skin temperature is reached in 10 minutes, and is
sustained for up to 10 minutes.
INDICATIONS

1. Pain
2. Muscle spasm
3. Inflammation
4. Oedemas
5. Adhesions
CONTRAINDICATIONS

1. Impaired Skin Sensation

2. Circulatory dysfunction
3. Analgesic drugs
4. Infections and open wounds
5. Cancer and Tuberculosis