Thermotherapy Can Help Heal Injuries
Heat Therapy Can be Used 48 Hours Post-Injury to Enhance Healing
Thermotherapy can play an important role in the healing of tissue and recovery from an injury. A variety of heat therapies are available depending on the depth of heating necessary for the desired outcome. Although some types of heat therapies are only available in a therapeutic setting, some are available in local drug stores.
There are also products on the market that can irritate the skin creating the sensation of heat, but with no actual change in temperature below the skin’s surface. These products are known as skin irritants. Care must be taken when using skin irritants because the sensation caused by the skin irritant can mask the pain from an injury below the skin’s surface.
Purpose of Thermotherapy
The purpose of using heat is to increase blood flow and promote healing. It is typically used during the second phase of the rehabilitation process (48 hours post-injury).
Along with promoting healing, heat can enhance the extensibility of tight tissue. Because of this physiological effect, heat can be used effectively prior to stretching to help loosen tight muscle fibers. Last, heat can be used to help relieve muscle spasm.
Deep Heating Agents
Ultrasound is a type of thermotherapy used in a professional setting to bring about deep heating (up to 1 ½ inches). It is the most effective treatment for heating tissue deep within the muscle/connective tissue.
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create mechanical heat deep within the tissue. For the sound waves to be able to penetrate the tissue, a conductive agent must be used to direct the sound waves into the body.
Superficial Heating Agents
Moist heat packs provide superficial heat (1-2cm) through the transfer of heat energy from the heat pack to the body. They are generally used to promote soft-tissue healing, reduce superficial muscle spasm, and promote general relaxation.
Microwavable and electric hot packs can also be used in the same manner as a moist heat pack. Care must be taken when using moist heat packs to ensure that the packs are not too hot. The patient should only feel a mild to moderate heat sensation when using this type of thermotherapy.
A heat pack is typically used for 10 to 15 minutes at the beginning of a treatment session followed by stretching exercises. The heat relaxes tight tissue and allows the athlete greater range of motion.
A Jacuzzi or hot bath can also work well as a heat therapy. The benefit of hot water immersion is that along with increasing the tissue temperature, the immersion has the benefit of creating heating all around an injured area. This is an effective thermotherapy for large areas (back).
Because bacteria can flourish in hot water, water should be drained, chlorinated and refilled on a regular basis. Another caution with hot water immersion is to make sure that the temperature of the water does not exceed 102 degrees (Foundations of Athletic Training, 2009).
Both deep and superficial thermotherapy treatments have a role in enhancing the healing process when used correctly and in conjunction with a rehabilitation program.
hot tub as heat therapy
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Health & Wellness
Latest Articles