Sreeraj S R

Sreeraj S R

Hot Packs are a way of transferring heat to the patient by conduction. Commercial hot packs is one of the most common ways to deliver superficial moist heat. The heating unit is called a HYDROCOLLATOR UNIT

Sreeraj S R

The hydro-collator unit is a stainless steel tank in which silica gel packs or BENTONITE crystal 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.

Sreeraj S R

These packs are stored in thermostatically controlled and maintains water in the unit at a temperature between 70°C and 80°C. It can be left on continuously as long as there is enough water in the tank.

A hydrocollator pack is good in any situation that requires penetrating heat.

Sreeraj S R

Sreeraj S R

A hydro collator pack is a fabric envelope containing silica gel or BENTONITE crystal packs .

The main property of the gel or crystal is its

capability to absorb many times its own volume of water, provides a considerable store of heat energy.

Sreeraj S R

These packs are heated in a hydro-collator unit. It give moist heat for 30 to 40 minutes Packs come in various sizes and shapes

A special collar pattern pack for the neck is usually available.

Sreeraj S R

Sreeraj S R

The packs are wrapped in: Turkish towels – 6- 8 layers of toweling Special / commercial terry cloth blankets Large packs may be wrapped in bath

blankets . 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.

Sreeraj S R

The pack is applied to the body after being wrapped adequately in toweling or blankets. This provides THERMAL INSULATION The pack is at above 75˚C & The skin temperature does not rise above 42˚C or so.

Sreeraj S R

Hemodynamic effect Neuromuscular effect

Metabolic effect

Tissue extensibility

Sreeraj S R

↑ Temperature

Inflammation

↑ Vasodilator (Histamine & Prostaglandin) release

Vasodilatiation

Cutaneous thermoreceptors

Spinal cord dorsal root ganglion

Smooth muscle relaxation

Sreeraj S R

Neuromuscular effect Increased NCV Increased pain threshold Changes in muscle strength

Metabolic effect Increased metabolic rate

Tissue extensibility Increased tissue extensibility

Sreeraj S R

1.Pain 2.Muscle spasm 3.Inflammation. 4.Edema. 5.Adhesions.

Sreeraj S R

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

Sreeraj S R

1. A hydro-collator pack is easy to apply 2. The packs are of various sizes which fit most clinical

needs. 3. Moist heat has a more sedative effect than dry heat. 4. low cost, minimal maintenance, long life 5. Maximal temperatures are more uniform than in

electrically-heated pads. 6. The patient does not need much handling. 7. The pads can be laid out ready for the patient to place

on the affected part.

Sreeraj S R

1. A hydro-collator pack is not easily applied around shoulders and hips.

2. It is somewhat heavy and should not be used on extremely sensitive patients, since it can create discomfort.

3. Sometimes moist packs have a tendency to cause a skin rash.

Sreeraj S R

BURNS may occur due to; Insufficient toweling The temperature of the pack could be too high Impaired circulation

DEHYDRATION – Excessive sweating may produce dehydration

Sreeraj S R

Remove the pack from the unit & place it on the towel. Fold another towel into 4 – 6 layers & place it over the pack. Wrap the whole pack up with the bottom towel. The temperature of the wrapped pack should not exceed the 44˚C

Sreeraj S R

Monitor the initial response from the patient to treatment during the first 5 to 10 min ask the patient for feedback & by visually inspecting the skin. If necessary, adjust the layers of toweling. During the treatment maintain the position of hot pack ensure that it does not exacerbate pain, produce discomfort or occlude circulation.

Sreeraj S R

Sreeraj S R

Sreeraj S R

The water level should be kept up to 3/4th full of water or slightly over the top of the packs at all times The unit should be cleaned periodically

Sreeraj S R