HYDRO COLLATOR UNIT.pptx

Moist heat

1. Hydro collator unit (Moist heat)

2. Introduction They provide physiotherapists with a constant supply of ready to use heated packs. Hot packs are the packs which are immersed in an apparatus called hydrocollator packs.

3. They provides superficial moist heat to the part where applied . Dry heat packs which are most common include hot water bag or bottle, microwave pack and electrically heated packs.

4. HYDROCOLLATOR UNIT The hydrocollator unit is made up of stainless steel tank in which silica gel packs are heated. The heater is mechanically controlled and maintains water in the unit at a temperature between 65°C -80°C. The aim of the hydrocollator pack is to rise the body temperature at 40-45°C.

5. The capacity of the machines varies and all units have insulated base. Larger unit insulated with fiber glass . The unit contains wire rack which acts as a divider for the packs and prevents contact of packs with bottom of the tank. The heater is thermostatically controlled and maintains water in the unit at a temperature between 70°C to 75° C.

6. HYDROCOLLATOR PACK Hydrocollator packs are available in various sizes and shapes The sizes and shape of the packs should be chosen on the basis of area being treated .

7. The common sizes are small(for smaller joint like elbow, ankle), larger (for larger joint like hip and back), countered(for cervical spine). The moist heat packs are a superficial heat modality transferring energy to the patient’s skin by way of conduction.

8. Contact technique with the moisture assisting the transfer of heat. Each subsequent underlying tissue layer is heated through conduction from the overlying tissue. The moist heat pack (hydro collator pack) is a canvas pouch filled with bentonite a hydrophilic silica gel or a similar substance capable of absorbing a large number of water molecules.

9. They are design to fit on nearly any body contour and are used repeatedly after each use. Moist hot packs are suitable for use over localized areas and large areas like back and neck with wide range of size and shape. The effectiveness of the pack is diminished when used over irregular areas such as ankle or fingers.

10. These packs are capable of maintaining a workable therapeutic temperature for 30 to 45 minutes after removal from the heating unit. The packs generally last for about six months. If it starts leaking replace it.

11. TECHNIQUE OF APPLICATION : Ensure that the thermostat is at 70°C to 75° C. switch on the machine which will take approximately 2 hours to heat. The unit can be left plugged in for any length of time, provided the water level is maintained. Check that the room temperature is between 21°C to 23° C.

12. 2. A patient is free of contraindications for this treatment technique. Inspect the area to be treated for abrasions, cuts, wounds, scars, oedema and any circulatory dysfunction.

13. 3. Test for hot and cold sensation for skin sensitivity. 4. The part to be treated must be supported fully in a comfortable position and relaxed. 5. The pack is taken out by means of tong. 6. The patient should tolerate the pressure of pack weight and the rise of 7°C to 10° C. temperature.

14. 7. Cover the pack with commercial terry cloth towel covering; fold the cloth towel so that there are five to six layers of towel between the pack and the skin. The temperature can be increased by removing towel layers and reduced by adding layers. The temperature of final layer is around 40-42°C.

15. 8. Place the pack on a comfortable position. When treating an infectious area cover the skin totally with sterile gauze. After the treatment dispose it in biowaste container and wash the hot pack’s covering with precautions. 9. Explain the patient about the degree of warmth to be filled, the duration of the treatment and purpose of the treatment. 10. Ask the patient to inform you if any pain, discomfort or burning felt during the procedure.

16. 11. Check the patient after the first 5 minutes for comfort and mottling. Recheck regularly and adjust the toweling if needed. To maintain high temperature replace the hot pack every 8 to 10 minutes. Care should be taken to check for burns arising from increased temperatures and rebound vasoconstriction.

17. 12. After completion of treatment return the moist pack to the heating unit and allow it to reheat for a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes before reuse.

18. DURATION OF TREATMENT: 20 to 30 minutes. When treating deep structures the treatment duration should be increased as the amount of adipose tissue is more. Treatment may be repeated as needed but sufficient time should be allowed for skin to cool before the next session.

19. THERAPEUTIC EFFECT AND USES: Effect on muscular spasm L ocal rise in temperature I ncrease of local temperature S kin and connective tissue R elieve of pain

20. INDICATION Pain and muscle spasm Inflammation Oedemas Adhesions

21. CONTRAINDICATION Impaired skin sensation Some dermatological conditions Circulatory dysfunction Analgesics drug Infection and open wounds

22. Cancer or tuberculosis in the area to be treated Gross oedema with a very thin and delicate skins Lack of comprehension Deep x-ray therapy Liniments

23. ADVANTAGES Hot packs are easy to apply n saves time for personal, and is efficient in heat conduction depending on area treated. The packs are of various sizes, which fits most clinical needs .

24. Moist heat have more sedative effect than the dry heat at maximal temperature, and is more uniform than in electrically heated packs The packs can be laid out ready for the patient to place on the affected part.

25. DISADVANTAGES It is not easily applied to shoulder and hip It is somewhat heavy and cannot be used over very sensitive areas, since it can increase the discomfort . Sometimes it has a tendency to cause skin rash.

26. PRECAUTIONS Do not allow the moist heat pack to come into direct contact with the skin to avoid burns. If the pack changed during the course of the treatment additional care must be taken to prevent burns.

27. Infected areas must be covered with sterile gauze to collect seepage. Do not allow the patient to lie on the heat pack. Or put extra layers of insulation.

28. MAINTENANCE: Unplug and drain the heating unit. Follow the guidelines properly . Clean the storage unit, the racks and the heating element with SS cleanser, vinegar and water mixture or mild abrasive cleaner. Do not use chlorine bleach as it damage the unit.

29. Allow new moist pack to soak fully immersed in warm water for 2 hours before placing them in the heating unit . Ensure daily that the water level covers the top of the moist heating packs .

30. Thank You