thermotherapy
the external application of heat to the body for therapeutic purposes
hydrotherapy
the application of water to the body in any of its three forms for therapeutic purposes
cryotherapy
the application of cold agents for therapeutic purposes
hypothermia
a higher-than-normal body temp, usually produced by an external environment such as a sauna or body wrap
vasodilation
widening of vessels
vasoconstriction
narrowing of vessels
contrast therapy
the alternating application of heat and cold for therapeutic purposes
vasocoolant spray
a chemical in small pressurized container that when sprayed on the skin evaporates very quickly, causing rapid cooling of the skin
hot/cold compress
wraps soaked with hot/cool water
conduction
the direct exchange of heat when the surface of the body is in direct contact with the thermal agent
convection
the transfer of heat through the movement of the air
radiation
the transfer of heat by way of rays contacting the body
body wraps
uses sheets and blankets that can be wet or dry and can incorporate substances, such as herbs or seaweed to cover the body snugly for therapeutic purposes
diathermy
electrical magnetic waves to generate heat in deep muscle tissues
infared
invisible electromagnetic radiation
ultrasonography
high frequency sound waves used for imaging internal body structures
paraffin
soft wax often used in lubricating oils
sitzbath
the sitz or hip bath is applied only to the hips and pelvic region of the body which is kept immersed in hot, tepid, or cool water, or alternately hot and cool water
whirlpool bath
water circulates for slight pressure
sauna
180-190 digress, humidity 5-30%
steam/vapor cabinet
tent or chamber which surrounds body with steam
chemical effects
examples) essential oils. herbal prep, espom salt, baking soda
mechanical effects
examples) spray, friction, whirlpool baths, create buoyancy
thermal effects
examples) bath, wraps, pads (apply temp + or - 98.6
