HYDROCOLLATOR 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 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.
 The heater is thermostatically
controlled and maintains water in the
unit at a temperature between 76°C and
80°C.
 It can be left on continuously as long
as there is enough water in the tank.
 A Hydro collator Pack

 A hydro collator pack is a fabric envelope containing

silica gel.
 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 40 minutes. The
packs are heated in a hydro-collator unit.
 Packs come in various sizes and shapes
 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.
• A special collar pattern pack for the neck is usually
available.
• The packs are wrapped in:
– Turkish towels
– Special terry cloth blankets. ( absorbent)
• Large packs may be wrapped in bath blankets
• Hydrocollator packs are used to give gentle moist heat to
superficial regions of the body,

• The part selected to be treated must be able to tolerate the pressure

of the pack (approximately 500 to 800 grams) and to tolerate a 7°
C to 10°C rise in temperature.

• It is also necessary to ensure that the circulation can dissipate heat

and that skin sensation responses to thermal differences are normal
as it is easy to produce a burn.

• The pack retains its heat for 30 minutes but after 10 minutes, the
patient may regard the pack as cool and comfortable.
• Nevertheless, the rise in temperature of the region under pack
averages 5°C.

• The pack is applied to the body after being wrapped adequately in

toweling or blankets. Care must be taken to have a layer of toweling
and to avoid excessive pressure by weight being placed on bony
points.
 Biological Effects of Hydro-collator Packs

1. Heat production
2. Temperature Elevation
3. Skin Tolerance
4. Thermal gradient in the tissues
5. Skin temperature
6. Subcutaneous tissue and muscles temperature
7. Hyperemia
8. Sedative Effects:
a) Muscle Spindle
b) Small myelinated “c” nerve fibers
 Indications for Hydrocollator Packs

1. Pain and muscle spasm.

2. Inflammation.
3. Oedema.
4. Adhesions.
 Contra-indications for Hydrocollator Packs:

1. Impaired Skin Sensation

2. Circulatory dysfunction
3. Analgesic drugs
4. Infections and open wounds
5. Cancer and Tuberculosis
6. Gross Oedema
7. Lack of Comprehension
8. Deep X-Ray Therapy
9. Liniment
 Advantages:

1. A hydro-collator pack is easy to apply; it saves

time for personnel and is efficient in heat
conduction depending on the area treated.
2. The packs are of various sizes which fit most
clinical needs.
3. Moist heat has a more sedative effect than dry
heat.
4. Maximal temperatures are more uniform than in
electrically-heated pads.
5. The patient does not need much handling.
6. The pads can be laid out ready for the patient to
place on the affected part.
 Disadvantages:

1. 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.
2. Sometimes moist packs have a tendency to cause
a skin rash.