Superficial heating modalities

K. Geetha Reddy
Asst. prof
 CYCLOTHERM

• Cyclotherm is a heating and cooling apparatus.

• Cyclotherm is a device which can heat or cool the skin surface by means of varying the
temperature of a circulating fluid.

• A flexible applicator, in which fluid circulates, is held in contact with the tissue surface.

• Temperature up to 40°C and down to 1°C, and vary it between these limits at a rate of
approximately 13°C per minute.

• Method of heat transfer: Conduction.

• With cyclotherm you can deliver thermotherapy, cryotherapy, contrast therapy/contrast bath.
• The device can be programmed to apply predetermined temperatures for pre-set times for
thermotherapy, cryotherapy and perhaps most usefully, thermal contrast therapy.
• It comprises a water reservoir to which water is added and that is then connected, via an
insulated tube, to a sleeve or sealed bag like unit.
• The water circulates the bag which covers the area being treated.
• Depending on the unit, the water is kept at a thermostatically preset temperature(controlled
temperature flow) or flaked ice is added to the water in the reservoir so water at or close to 0°c
is circulated.
• The water is either pumped through continously by an electric pump (continuous flow) or is
circulated by flushing it back through the reservoir every 15 minutes or so ( intermittent flow)
Principles of Production:
1.Heat Transfer: Cyclotherm uses a mechanism that alternates between hot and cold
temperatures. The alternating heat can help improve blood flow, while cold cycles reduce
inflammation and pain. The body responds to these temperature changes by increasing
circulation, which speeds up the healing process.
2.Thermal Gradient: By using alternating hot and cold, the treatment creates a thermal gradient
that leads to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) during the hot phase, followed by
vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) during the cold phase. This can enhance the
delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, while also helping to reduce swelling and
inflammation.
3. Pain Relief: The alternating temperatures can provide a soothing effect on tissues. Cold
reduces pain and inflammation, while heat relaxes the muscles and alleviates stiffness. The
combined effect can enhance comfort and mobility for patients.
4. Increased Metabolism: The cycling of heat and cold helps to increase the local metabolic
rate. This can lead to improved tissue repair and regeneration as cells receive increased blood
flow and oxygen.
Physiological Effects
• Depends upon which method you are using.
• For example: Thermotherapy-vasodilation, cryotherapy-vasoconstriction.
• Contrast therapy- alternate vasodilation and vasoconstriction.
Uses
To reduce pain, spasm.
To reduce joint stiffness.
Acute, sub-acute, chronic inflammation.
THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS:
Heat:
• Therapeutic heat is most effective in decreasing general soreness and in preparing soft tissues
for stretching and joint mobilization.
• To increase blood flow to the injured body part; during this process blood also delivers
nutrients to that area and carries metabolites ad other waste products, thereby increasing the
rate of healing of the injury.
COLD:
• Applied to the recent injuries (Limits bleeding by vasoconstriction and increased blood
viscosity)
• Pain relief (reduces the conduction of cutaneous nociceptive fibers)
• Reduce muscle spasm
• Reduces muscle spasticity
• Facilitates muscle contraction
• Reduction of chronic inflammation of joint
Contraindications
Follow the general contraindications for the superficial heat modalities and cryotherapy.

1.Open wounds

2.Infective conditions

3.Allergic rashes

4.Deep vein thrombosis

5.Impaired sensations

6.Acute dermatitis
FLUIDOTHERAPY
Introduction
• Fluido therapy is a dry heating agent consisting of finely ground cellulose particles in a
cabinet.
• Warm air is forced through the cellulose particles, causing them to flow like a liquid around the
area being treated in the cabinet.
• Fluido therapy is also called as dry whirl pool, because it provides dry heat and massage effect.
• This form of superficial heat is most often applied to the distal end of the extremities.
• Temperature range of Fluido therapy is 44°C - 52°C (111°F-125°F).
The Principle of Fluidotherapy
• chief mode of heat transfer: convection(Heat moves through a fluid due to the movement of
particles caused by density differences)
Physiological Effects
• Tissue temperature increases.
• Blood flow increased due to the vasodilatation of cutaneous blood vessels.
• Promotion of soft tissue healing (Via heat transfer).
• Sedation.
• Prevent limb oedema.
• Helps in cases where skin de-sensitization is needed.
• Some patients also feel elated or notice a "light" feeling.
EQUIPMENT
• Consists of a cabinet containing finely ground cellulose particles made from corn cob.
• Heated air is made to be circulated through the particles, so that the particles move like liquid.
• Allows high heating (higher than water and paraffin).
• It utilizes a stream of thermostatically controlled heated air flowing over and through particles
by an electric fan inside a lid covered steel cabinet.
• This air stream creates air pockets and bubbles to provide a powerful massaging action that
transmits heat and tactile stimulation to achieve many physiological and therapeutic benefits.
Method of Application of Fluidotherapy
1. Explain the procedure to the patient and tell the patient what kind of sensations to be expected
during treatment.
2. Ask the patient to remove all jewellery and clothing from the area to be treated.
3. Check the skin thermal sensation, if decreased sensation, use the lower temperature range.
4. Cover any open wounds with a plastic barrier to prevent the cellulose particles from
contaminating the wound.
5. Place the body part in the appropriate portal of the unit.
6. Most units will have between 110° and 118 °F (43.4° and 47.8 °C).
7. Secure the sleeve to prevent particles from escaping the cabinet.
8. Set the temperature control results.
9. If the patient experiences discomfort during the procedure, he should report immediately.
10. Provide the patient with a bell or another alerting device to use if your assistance is needed
during the treatment.
11. The treatment should last for 20 to 30 minutes.
12. Turn of the unit, before removing the patient body part.
13. At the end of the treatment, remove the body part from the portal, being careful not to spill
particles from the cabinet.
14. Check the skin condition for any unusual reactions.
15. The patient might demonstrate mild hyperemia; however, any other response should be
investigated before continuing with therapy.
Clinical Uses
• Pain, muscle spasm, oedema.
• Acute or sub-acute musculo skeletal conditions of the distal extremities.
• To improve the local circulation.

Advantage over other common forms of heat treatment

• A form of dry heat, less messy.
• Limb is elevated while treatment, which helps prevent oedema.
• Presence of a wound is not regarded as a contraindication (but obviously need to provide a
dressing over the wound).
INDICATIONS
• Contraindications/Cautions
Treat distal extremities:
• Follow all general superficial heat
1. Decrease pain
modalities contraindications previously
2. Increase range of motion
mentioned.
3. Decrease swelling
4. Decrease spasm • Anaesthetic skin.
5. Inflammation
• Advanced arteriosclerosis.
6. Post – operative Rehabilitation
7. Sub – acute condition • Recent or unhealed skin grafts.

8. Chronic condition • Psoriasis and eczema.

• Advanced age and metabolic disorders.

Latest Model
WHIRL

POOL
BATH
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