Term
| Ice Pack Purpose, Procedure, Variations, Contraindications |
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Definition
Purpose: Reduce swelling, inflammation, congetion and/or pain for acute conditions
Procedure: Apply for 20 min out of every hour for the first 24-36 hours after acute injury, depending on the severity.
Variations: Immersion bath (has disadvantage in that it is difficult to elevate)
In the case of acute tendinitis or muscle spasm, rubbing an ice cube on the painful area until numb (about 10-12 minutes). May be repeated hourly.
Contraindications: May be inappropriate to apply to the extremitites of persons with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. |
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Term
| Heating Compress Purpose, Procedure, Variations, Contraindications |
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Definition
Purpose: Stimulate metabolic and healing activity; used to reduce congestion in one area by drawing blood into the area covered by the compress
Procedure: Wet sock treatment is useful in treating children with URIs. Before bedtime wring a pair of cotton socks from ice water, pull over feet, and cover with wool socks; leave in place overnight. By morning the socks should be warm and dry.
Variations: Knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders and wrists can be treated by wrapping the area with cotton cloth wrung from cold water.
Contraindications:
High or low blood pressure
Serious Illness
Diabetes Mellitus
Muscular Sclerosis
Cardiac Conditions |
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Term
| Constitutional Hydrotherapy Purpose, Procedure, Variations, Contraindications |
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Definition
Remember HOT 5, 10 COLD
Purpose: Balance body functions, strengthen the immune system, promote healing. For treatment of anything really.
Procedure:
1. While preparing 2 hot towels, have the patient undress to the waist and lie down face up between the sheets, under one blanket.
2. PLace EMS pads on the back at T6 level
3. Place 2 hot folded bath towels (4 layers) on the patient's trunk, shoulders to hips, side to side for 5 minutes.
4. Cover with sheet and one blanket
5. Check patient's temperature, leave 5 minutes
6. Return with 1 hot bath towel and 1 cold hand towel
7. Place the new hot towel on top of 2 old towels and flip all three towels. Remove 2 old hot towels leaving the new hot towel in place. Place the cold towel on top o the new hot and flip again. Remove the hot towel leaving the cold in place.
8. Cover the patient and add an extra layer of blanket
9. Turn on EMS to strong stimulation, AT PATIENT COMFORT LEVEL. Leave 10 minutes or until the cold towel is well warmed.
10. Return and remove the warmed towel. Move the EMS pads transabdominally to T12 and supraumbilical. Turn on the device for 10 minutes with intensity at strong stimulation, AT PATIENT COMFORT LEVEL.
11. Return with 2 hot towels and have the patient roll prone.
12. Place 2 hot folded bath towels on the patient's trunk, shoulders to hips, side to side.
13. Cover with sheet blanket, leave 5 minutes.
14. Return with 1 hot bath towel and 1 cold hand towel.
15. Place new towel on top and flip. Remove the 2 old hot towels. Place cold towel. Warn patient of incoming cold and flip.
16. Return and remove the warmed towel. Patient may leave if towel is warm. If they are chilled, provide hot packs or dry friction rubs to warm them and alter your treatment approach next visit to prevent chilling.
Variations: Contrast can be narrowed (not as hot or cold) for the ill or weak.
More emphasis can be placed on hot for sedation, or cold for strengthening and tonification.
Contraindications:
Patients with asthma may react negatively to cold. For these persons, begin with a smaller cold towel applied to the abdomen only. Gradually increase cold in future visits until no reaction is observed. |
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Term
| Wet Sheet Pack Purpose, Procedure, Variations, Contraindications & Special Considerations |
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Definition
Purpose: To stimulate, relax, or detoxify depending on phase (cold or cooling, neutral, or heating)
Cold: stimulate and tonify (rarely used this way)
Neutral Phase: relax and sedate
Heating Phase aid in cleansing through the skin; heating promotes sweating and elimination and is therefore useful in detoxifying from environmental or chemical exposure or from drug, alcohol, or tobacco use.
Procedure: Lay out one blanket with a pillow for the head and one to support the knees. The blanket should be high enough to fold over the shoulders of the patient.
2. Thoroughly wring the sheet from ice water and lay out over the blanket.
3. Have the patient undress and lie down on the center of the wet sheet and pull the far half over themselves.
4. Return and arrange the sheet by pulling the far half under the arms and around the far leg.
5. Have the patient place the arms in a comfortable position across the abdomen. Wrap the near half of the sheet over the shoulders, arms, and around the near leg. (If the patient is claustrophobic, one arm may be left out)
6. Next, bring the banket across the patient, mitering it over the shoulders. Any extra length of wet sheet should be folded up over the blanket (if left around the feet it leaves too much for the feet to warm easily).
7. Add extra layers of blanket to hold in heat produced by the patient to warm the sheet. (If the treatment is used to reduce fever, extra blankets are not needed)
If general detoxification is desired, leave the patient in the wet sheet until profuse sweating has occurred and as long as s/he tolerates. This may require 2-4 hours or more. The heating/detoxifying stage will be reached sooner if the patient has undergone some sort of heating before getting into the wet sheet pack (exercise, hot shower, hot tub, etc.).
Variations: If the relaxing effects of the neutral phase are desired, the patient should be removed from the pack before s/he begins to perspire. A warm (not hot) shower following is acceptable.
Contraindications & Special Considerations:
Hot drinks such as hot ginger tea will promote sweating. The need to urinate can however end treatment too soon however if too much water is given.
Water to drink may be necessary during the elimination phase.
The bath may be used to cover the patient's head and eyes to enhance the heating phase and shade the eyes.
The hand towel may be used as a cold compress and to mop the patient's face once perspiration begins in the elimination phase.
Quietly check on the patient frequently. Remember that wrapped up as they are they may feel vulnerable and be unable to safely free themselves. |
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Term
| Steam/Sauna Purpose, Procedure, Variations, Contraindications |
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Definition
Purpose: To increase body temperature and/or promote sweating. To prepare for cold applications, produce an artificial fever, or encourage the breakdown and elimination of toxic material.
Procedure: No more than 15-20 minutes should be spent in a steam room or sauna where it is necessary to breathe hot air or steam. This is due to the fact that hot air, most or dry, reduces the ability fo the lungs to exchange O2 and CO2. It may be preferable to work your way up to the longer times. Begin with 3-4 minutes in the hot environment then exit and do a cool rinse. Gradually increase time and degree of cold water for the rinse. It may be useful to take a basin of ice water and a cloth into the steam oom to apply cold to the head and face. This may reduce the tendency to headache that can occur with the whole body heating.
Variations: Where available, a Russian steam room (a room or cabinet that allows the head to be outside the hot environment) or steam cabinet is preferable. Treatment times of up to 60 minutes may be achieved depending on the tolerance and response of the patient under these conditions.
Contraindications: Women who may be pregnant should limit applications to 10 min or less. Be cautious with those with CVD. Persons with MS may not tolerate hot applications well. Prolonged applications of heat may encourage hyperventilation. If there is any evidence of tingling in the lips, fingers, or toes, treatment should be discontinued and a cold rinse applied.
Headache is a common side effect to prolonged heating that may occur immediately or some time following the treatment. Most headache can be avoided by applying cold to the head and face during treatment. It is probably not possible to over do the use of cold in this way. |
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Term
| Enema/Colon Irrigation Purpose, Procedure, Variations, Contraindications |
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Definition
Purpose: Used to aid in detoxification from chemical exposure or drug use, relieve constipation, and/or assist in healing an irritated inflamed bowel.
Procedure:
1. Prepare enema solution fo 1 tbs of sea salt and 1 tbs of baking soda per quart of water, at about 98*f
2. Place solution in the enema bag and place bag about 3 feet above the patient.
3. Lubricate the anus and the enema tubing
4. Insert the tubing just past the inner sphincter (about 1.5-2 inches) & hold in place.
5. Release the valve to allow the solution to enter the colon, introduce the solution slowly and not too much at one time (one pint at a time is typically adequate)
6. Hold the solution for a few minutes before releasing on the toilet.
7. Repeat the procedure several times during each enema.
Variations:
Can be done on the floor instead of toilet. Whichever is most comfortable.
It is often useful to stand and walk or massage the abdomen after taking a small amount of solution and before releasing on the toilet.
If there is spasm and tension int he bowel, warmer water (about 102*F) will often help relax the bowel.
If the bowel is weak and flaccid, colder water may help to strengthen it. (75-80*F)
Large amounts of solution at once during frequent enemas may cause bowel stretching. To avoid this, remember to introduce the smallest amount of solution necessary to produce results.
Contraindications:
DO NOT use hot or very cold water.
DO NOT give enema if there is bleeding from the rectum.
Be cautious about performing on children, elderly, very ill, persons with hypertension, persons with bowel disease, and pregnant women. |
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Term
| Immersion Bath Purpose, Procedure, Variations, Contraindications |
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Definition
Purpose: To provide pressure to force fluid back into circulation in cases of edema. To dissolve and remove toxic materials from the body through the skin.
To produce a hyperthermia response from a full immersion bath for the relaxing and sedative effects of a neutral bath. Also relieves sore muscles.
Procedure:
1. For a local application, cover the part entirely. The hot bath may be approximately 110*F. The cold should be ice water. Most conditions respond best to contrast unless within the first 24-36 hours of an acute inflammatory condition (see Contrast Applications). Epsom salt may be added to the hot bath if desired, generally 1/4 to 1/2 pound per gallon, for its anti-inflammatory action.
2. A full immersion bath may be useful in promoting a fever (see Hyperthermia), for the relief of sore, aching muscles, or to aid in detox. For the latter two, soak in a tub (102-104*F) 15-20 min and follow with short cold plunge or shower. (Epsom salt may be added, 1/4 to 1/2 pound per gallon), for its anti-inflammatory action.
Variations: Adding epsom salts for their anti-inflammatory and "drawing" effects.
Contraindications: Never microwave. May be contra-indicated for CVD, PAD, or during pregnancy. |
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Term
| Cold Compress Purpose, Procedure, Variations, Contraindications |
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Definition
Purpose: Force blood from an area or prevent its accumulation. Can reduce a minor inflammatory reaction, and can relieve or prevent headache accompanying fever. Stimulates blood flow following a hot application.
Procedure: Wring a cloth of appropriate size from ice water and apply to the area to be treated. Restore as necessary to keep the cloth cold or for the comfort of the persona treated.
Variations: None
Contraindications: None |
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Term
| Benefits of Skin Brushing (5) |
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Definition
Accelerated lymph filtration
Increased circulation
Tonification of muscles & nerves of skin
Increased vital energy
Detoxification |
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Term
| Hot Pack Purpose, Procedure, Variations, Contraindications |
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Definition
Purpose: To relieve muscle spasm from various causes, produce local hyperthermia, encourage local blood flow, "bring out" local infections, or relieve pain.
Procedure:
1. Prepare hot packs to about 120*F
2. Place 2-3 layers of toweling over the area to be treated, place the hot pack on the toweling and cover.
3. If the pack gets too hot for comfort, add additional layers of toweling as needed.
4. Leave pack in place 5-20 minutes depending on the time needed to obtain the desired effect.
5. Packs may need to be restored if they cool too much.
6. Follow with a short cold application when done (30 seconds).
7. Local redness and perspiration will occur.
Variations: Towels may be wrung from tap water at a temperature that will allow them to be placed directly on the skin. If the desired effect requires that they stay in place for more than 5 minutes, they should be renewed frequently so that they stay warm.
Contraindications: Do not microwave and then place on skin. Can cause uneven heating and burns.
Use with caution for children and those with decreased sensation. |
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Term
| Contrast Applications Purpose, Procedure, Variations, Contraindications |
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Definition
3 3's Rule - 3 minutes, 30 seconds, 3 times
Purpose:
Increase blood flow through an area to remove wastes that accumulate in areas of inflammation. Helps bring nutrients and oxygen into those areas, thus promoting healing in an area of acute injury.
Increase functional activity of organs in reflex with relationship area of skin.
Procedure:
Apply hot compress to or immerse the affected part in hot water (~110*F) for 3-4 min.
Follow with ice water for 30-60 seconds.
Repeat 3-5 times; always end with cold.
Variations:
Chemical hot packs and gel cold packs may be used, but are not as effective.
Contraindications:
Wait 24-36 hours until acute phase is over to begin contrast (use ice during acute phase).
As usual, do not microwave. Do not apply cold to frostbite (derp). |
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Term
| Hyperthermia Purpose, Procedure, Variations, Contraindications |
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Definition
Purpose: Destroy heat sensitive organisms, enhance immune function, encourage elimination of toxic material from the body.
Procedure:
1. Immerse the body in hot water (104-106*F) for up to 60 min or longer at a time. Maintain the bath temperature for the entire time.
2. Apply cold early and liberally to the head to prevent headache.
3. Check oral temperature and pulse rate every 10 minutes. If temperature exceeds 104*F or pulse exceeds 140 BPM, cool bath and apply more cold to the head.
4. After treatment has finished, rinse in a cool shower.
5. Wrap up and stay warm.
Variations: If a bath or hot tub is not available, it si possible to heat the body in a steam or sauna bath. The hot blanket pack may also be used to raise body temperature.
Inhalation of steam can be used for URI, but avoid deep inhalation.
Contraindications:
Hot water may be tolerated but can increase temperature too quickly.
Do not perform under the following circumstances:
High or low BP
Serious Illness
DM
MS
Heart Arrhythmia
Tachycardia
Other Cardiac Diseases
DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT
Watch for hyperventilation. If hyperventilation occurs, have patient breath into paper bag, lower temperature, have patient breath from abdomen, and continue.
Have patient stand slowly after finishing and be cautious during the rinse. |
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Term
| Cold Friction Rub Purpose, Procedure, Variations, Contraindications/Considerations |
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Definition
Purpose: Stimulate and increase the function of the various organs. Can be used for immune stimulation (especially useful in chronic fatigue syndrome, URIs, & pneumonia)
Procedure:
1. Prepare with some heating process (hot pack, immersion bath, steam/sauna, hot blanket pack, or a spray/shower)
2. Briskly rub the area to be treated with the cold wet cloth until the skin turns pink.
3. Wrap up and stay warm.
Variations: May be applied to the trunk when treating general conditions or applied to a small area or extremity when treating specific conditions.
Contraindications/Considerations:
Adequate preheating will produce a better reaction in most people. |
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