Pwb

ELECTROTHERAPY MODALITIES
SUPERFICIAL HEATING MODALITY

1. PARAFFIN WAX BATH THERAPY (PWB)

2. INTRODUCTION It is a SUPERFICIAL heating modality. Molten paraffin is used to apply on the body parts. The temperature of paraffin wax is maintained at 40-44 o C, where as its actual melting point is 51-55 o C. If molten wax is applied at 51-55 o C poured on the body part, it may cause BURN over the body tissue, therefore some IMPURITY is added to lower down its melting point such as LIQUID PARAFFIN or MINERAL OIL.

3. PWB provides about 6 TIMES the amount of heat available in water because the mineral oil in paraffin lowers its melting point. Combination of Paraffin + mineral oil has low specific heat which enhances the patients ability to tolerate heat from the water of same temperature. Composition in PWB WAX: PARAFFIN: PETROLEUM JELLY = 7:3:1 WAX: PARAFFIN = 7:1 The mode of transmission of heat from paraffin to the patient skin is by means of CONDUCTION.

4. PWB UNIT PARTS CONTAINER MAINS THERMOSTAT THERMOSTAT PILOT LAMP POWER PILOT LAMP CASTER

5. CONTAINER : It is made up of enamelled baths or stainless steel bowl and outer fiber glass shell. It contains wax and paraffin oil. Its main function is to switch on or off the heating element, which is located in the casing of PWB unit. THERMOSTAT : It keeps temperature fixed/static in the range which is adjusted with knob. THERMOSTATIC PILOT’S LAMP : It denotes weather thermostat is on or off. POWER PILOT’S LAMP : Shows weather power is on or off. LID : It covers the container. CASTER : It allows PWB container to be moved from one place to another.

6. METHODS The part to be treated must be cleaned by soap and moisture must be soaked by towel. Position of patient should be such that the part to be treated comes closer to the wax bath container. Before application ensure that there is no moisture on the part to be treated, otherwise it may cause burn. The warm wax is placed on body tissue by various techniques and treatment time is for about 10-20 minutes.

7. TECHNIQUES OF APPLICATION 1. DIRECT POURING METHOD The molten wax is directly poured by a mug or utensil on the part to be treated and then wrapped around by a towel. The wax is allowed to solidify for about 10-12 minutes. Several (4-6) layers can be applied over the body tissue. 2. BRUSHING METHOD A brush of various sizes (4”-6”) is used for the application of the molten wax over the body tissues. Several coats (4-6) applied over the body tissue and allowed to solidify and wrapped over by a towl .

8. TECHNIQUES OF APPLICATIONS 3. DIRECT IMMERSION METHOD The body part to be treated is directly immersed into the container and taken out. Once the wax solidifies, the part is again immersed to make another layer and wrapped around by a towel. 4. TOWELING OR BANDAGING METHOD A towel or a roll of bandage is immersed in molten paraffin wax and wrapped around the body part. Preferred for treating proximal parts of the body.

9. TREATMENT CHECKING THE APPARATUS: check whether thermostat is working properly. Application : Various methods of applications are used. Each must be followed as explained earlier. Wax is allowed to cool and can be re-used for the next treatment session. TERMINATION: the patient skin is inspected for any burn.

10. EFFECTS AND USES PWB therapy provides superficial heating to the tissues. It increases the local circulation to the area. It increase pliability (flexibility) of the skin. Reduces pain and stiffness.

11. INDICATIONS Rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Joint stiffness, adhesions Post- immobilization stiffness Scars on the skin

12. CONTRAINDICATIONS Open wounds Skin rashes Allergic conditions Impaired skin sensation Defective arterial supply

13. MAINTENANCE OF PWB UNIT Sterile the paraffin by heating it to 212 Fahrenheit. (100 O C) For reuse sterilization should be done frequently. Drain the melted paraffin wax, filter it out and replace it back for reuse. Change the wax at least once in six months.