What is thermotherapy?
Thermotherapy is the treatment of an injury by the use of heat. This therapy is used to treat injuries, especially inflammatory skin lesions. The temperature applied must be higher than that of the body itself, and with it a therapeutic and relaxing effect can be achieved. Thermotherapy is indicated in cases of rheumatic pain and/or colic.
Thermotherapy is contraindicated in cases in which the patient suffers from a certain type of disease, such as heart disease or appendicitis. It is also not indicated for people taking anti-coagulant medications.
The effects of thermotherapy are:
- Vasodilator effect. In this case the blood flow to the area is increased, with analgesic effect.
- Decrease in blood pressure. The heat affects the heart, which reduces blood pressure.
- Sedative. The long-lasting heat has a sedative effect, which promotes muscle relaxation, relieving fatigue…
Why is thermotherapy performed?
Thermotherapy is the treatment of an injury by means of heat. It is a therapeutic tool that produces a relaxing effect and relieves pain in a specific area.
This technique is used to treat muscular problems when the patient has already passed the acute phase of the injury, that is, about 48 hours after the injury. While inflammation is present, the use of heat is contraindicated.
In summary, thermotherapy produces the following effects:
- It improves cellular nutrition and its oxygenation.
- It has an analgesic effect
- Antibacterial action
- It is anti-inflammatory
- It improves defense
- Improves cellular restoration
Thermotherapy provides a sense of relief
What does thermotherapy consist of?
Thermotherapy consists of the application of heat in certain areas during sessions of between ten minutes and half an hour, although the time will vary depending on the technique used and the specific area in which it is used.
It should be taken into account that heat has a therapeutic and relaxing effect, but if it is not controlled and applied in excess it can cause dizziness and a drop in blood pressure. An example would be if heat is applied to the cervical area or back.
In order for heat to pass from one body to another, the following mechanisms need to be used: conduction, convention and radiation.
- Conduction: energy exchange mechanism that ends at two contact surfaces. In solids, conduction is best achieved.
- Convection: heat transfer between gas and/or liquid.
- Radiation: heat is transported through a vacuum. It is reflected by white surfaces and absorbed by black surfaces.
The heat spreads from the thermal agent to the person’s organism, producing a rise in temperature, which causes a relaxing and therapeutic effect. Thermal agents include solids, liquids and semi-solids, radiation media and connective media.
- Solid conductive media
- Hot sand
- Hot wraps
- Thermophores
- Chemical bags
- Heating pads
- Semi-solid and liquid conductive media
- Wet compresses
- Kerosene and parafango
- Mud therapy
- Hot hydrotherapy
- Convective media
- Dry air and humid air
- Radiation
- Infrared radiation
Preparation for thermotherapy
When preparing for thermotherapy, it is not necessary an exhaustive preparation, but at least a previous visit with the specialist, who will recommend and advise us, taking the decision that best suits the patient.
It should also be noted that each person is different, and that each one has a different thermal sensitivity, so the treatment or temperature that works well for one person may not work well for another person, who may burn the skin without even realizing it. For this reason, it is necessary to control its application and check the area every few minutes.
At the same time, the time that has passed between the injury and the treatment must be taken into account, since it is recommended to allow at least 48 to 72 hours to begin heat therapy. If there is inflammation -i.e. the area is inflamed, swollen, red, hot…- heat therapy is not recommended, but on the contrary, it is advisable to apply cold by means of ice.
Care after thermotherapy
No special care is required after thermotherapy.
Alternatives to thermotherapy
There are several treatments that can be an alternative to heat treatment or thermotherapy.
One of them would be cryotherapy or cryomassage, treatment opposite to thermotherapy, since in this case intense cold is applied through ice or other agents with the ability to preserve and maintain a cold temperature.
Hydrotherapy or aquatic physical therapy is presented as another alternative to thermotherapy, consisting in this case in applying massages through water.