method,” the patient dips a hand or other body
part eight to 12 times into the paraffin. The hand is
then covered with a plastic bag and a towel for
insulation for approximately 20 minutes.
Hydrotherapy, a heat treatment involving sub-
mersion in water, is prescribed for many muscu-
loskeletal disorders. Hydrotherapy tanks and pools
are generally set at warm temperatures up to 150°F
(65.6°C). Because the patient may perform resis-
tance exercises while in the water, higher temper-
atures may place undue strain on the heart, lungs,
and circulation as the treatment becomes more
physically demanding. Because of this, many
hydrotherapy baths are now being set at 95–110°F
(35–43.3°C). There are also units available with
movable turbine jets, which provide a light mas-
sage. Some people find that a brief dip in a hot tub
or spa before exercise is beneficial as a warmup.
Fluidotherapy was developed in the 1970s as a
dry-heat modality consisting of cellulose particles
suspended in air. Units are manufactured in differ-
ent sizes, and some are restricted to treating only a
hand or foot. The turbulence of the gas-solid mix-
ture provides heat to objects immersed in the
medium. Temperatures of this treatment range
from 110°F to 123°F (43.3–50.5°C). While massag-
ing and increasing the flow of blood to the limb,
fluidotherapy allows the patient to exercise the
limb during the treatment.
A deep-heat treatment, ultrasound waves
administered by way of an ultrasound transmitting
device, penetrates the body to provide relief to
inner tissue. Also a diagnostic tool, ultrasound
energy occurs in the acoustic or sound spectrum
and is undetectable to the human ear. By using
conducting agents such as gel or mineral oil, the
ultrasound transducer warms areas of the muscu-
loskeletal system. Certain areas of the muscu-
loskeletal system absorb ultrasound better than
others. Muscle tissue and other connective tissue
such as ligaments and tendons absorb this form of
energy very well; fat absorbs it to a much lesser
degree. Ultrasound has a relatively long-lasting
effect, continuing up to one hour.
Diathermy, another deep-heat treatment, which
enjoyed much popularity between the 1940s and
1960s before the use of ultrasound, employs an
electrode drum used to apply heat to an affected
area. The drum has a wire coil surrounded by dead
space and other insulators such as a plastic hous-
ing. Several layers of towels are placed between the
unit and the patient. This device works on the
premise of a magnetic field’s effect on connective
tissues. One advantage of diathermy over various
other heat treatments is that although fat resists an
electrical field, it does not resist a magnetic field.
Diathermy is reported to be helpful to individuals
with chronic low back pain and muscle spasms.
Any kind of heat treatment should be super-
vised. The patient’s heat sensitivity should be
assessed to prevent burns and other injury, and the
skin over the affected area should be clean. After
heat treatment, symptoms of dizziness and nausea,
local irritation, or discoloration should be charted.
Treatments should be administered at least one
hour apart, if more than one is necessary. Any heat
treatment may cause damage if there are excessive
temperatures or improper insulation or treatment
duration. Overexposure to heat may cause redness,
blisters, burns, or reduced blood circulation, and in
ultrasound therapy, excessive heat over bony areas
with little soft tissue (such as hands, feet, and
elbows) may cause pain and possible tissue dam-
age. Exposure to the electrode drum during
diathermy may produce hot spots.
Heat treatments are not recommended for indi-
viduals with circulation problems, heat intolerance,
or lack of sensation in the affected area. Sluggish or
impaired blood circulation may contribute to heat-
related injuries. Heat treatments also should not be
used for pregnant women or individuals afflicted
with heart, lung, or kidney diseases, or on areas
above the eye or heart, or over areas where there
are metal surgical implants.
See also HYDROTHERAPY.hypnotherapy Also referred to as hypnosis, var-
ied techniques used by psychiatrists, psychologists,
and other psychotherapists to guide the patient
into a state of altered awareness, deep relaxation,
or trance in order to help treat anxiety, panic
attacks, addictions, and numerous other psycho-
logical and somatic problems. Hypnosis has also
been used successfully as a substitute for pharma-
ceutical anesthesia. The system is founded on the
idea of the power of suggestion—that one’s emo-62 hypnotherapy