1. Sports Medicine
Thermotherapy

2. Discussion Scenario
A tennis player who has been diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) wants to start using heat before his practices and matches. He wants to know what type of heat will be most effective and how long he needs to apply the heat.
What would you tell him?
Be prepared to share your response with the class.

3. Objectives Review the physiological effects of heat
Explain the indications and contraindications of heat
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of specific heat modalities

4. Terminology
Thermotherapy – using a source of heat for treatment

5. Physiological Effects of Heat
Decreased muscle spasm
Decreased pain
Increased blood flow (vasodilation)
Increased metabolism
Increased tissue elasticity
Decreased joint stiffness

6. Indications of Thermotherapy
Chronic inflammatory conditions
Chronic pain
Chronic muscle spasm
Muscle contracture

7. Contraindications of Thermotherapy
Sensory loss
Acute injury
Areas of decreased sensation/circulation
Over the abdomen during pregnancy
Area over tumor/malignant tissue
Peripheral vascular disease

8. Warm Whirlpool What it is: Basin filled with 100 to 105°F water
Heating through conduction & convection
When it’s used:
Treating an injured extremity
Advantages:
Effective cooling in minutes
Treat large areas
Disadvantages:
Clean after each use to prevent infection
Prep time
Can’t be transported
Constant supervision

9. Hydrocollator (Heat) Pack
What it is:
A moist heat pack filled with gel and stored in 160°F water bath
Wrapped in towels to prevent burning
When it’s used:
Applied over large areas
Advantages:
Superficial heating in minutes
Reusable
Conforms to areas
Disadvantages:
Hydrocollator requires electricity (not transportable)

10. Paraffin Bath What it is:
Basin filled with paraffin and mineral oil heated to °F
Extremity is dipped 6 times, then wrapped in plastic bag
When it’s used:
Chronic pain/swelling in hands/feet
Advantages:
Treatment time varies from minutes
Disadvantages:
Messy application
Risk of infection (replace wax often)
Treatment area limited
Supervision required