2. OJECTIVES
— By theend of this lectureyou should be
able to
— Define the paraffinwax.
— Understand the physiological effects of paraffinwax.
— Discuss the indications and contraindications of
paraffin wax.
— Recognize the advantages and disadvantages of
paraffin wax.
Dr. Ahmed M. El-Sodany 2
3. DEFINITION:
— Is a form of conductive heat in which a mixture of
melted Paraffin and mineral oil is used to treat a
part of the body in proportions of 4 parts wax to
one oil.
Dr. Ahmed M. El-
Sodany 3
4. DEFINITION:
Dr. Ahmed M. El-
Sodany 4
— paraffin oil is added to the melted wax in
order to;
(a) Reduce the melting temperature of
paraffin from 54 ºC (129 ºF) to between
45 ºC and 50ºC (113 to 122 ºF).
(b) Keep the wax liquid at lower
temperatures and prevent burns.
5. DEFINITION:
— Ratio of paraffin to oil can be safely applied
directly to the skin at this temperature because of
its low specific heat and thermal conductivity.
— The wax is maintained melted in stainless steel or
enameled baths which are electrically heated;
temperature is kept constant by a thermostat.
Some baths are contained within a heated outer
water bath.
Dr. Ahmed M. El-
Sodany 5
6. Physiological effects of Paraffin
wax
Dr. Ahmed M. El-
Sodany
6
(1) Heat production:
Increase skin temperature 8° to 13°C, subcutaneous
fascia about 5°C and superficial muscle about 2°C to3°C
after 30 minutes of wax wrapping.
(2) Circulatory effect:
— Vasodilatation of the superficial capillaries and arterioles.
— Hyperemia of the skin.
— After 15 to 20 min. of application, the heat drops rapidly
so reducing the vasodilatation.
7. Physiological effects of Paraffin
wax
7
(3) Analgesic effect:
— Have a sedative effect on the tissues.
— Soothing effect to the patient.
— Reduction of muscle spasm
(4) Stretching effect:
— After wax the skin is left moist, soft and pliable.
— This is useful method for stretching scars and adhesions
before applying mobilizing exercises.
8. Indications of Paraffin wax:
Dr. Ahmed M. El-
Sodany
8
— Pain and muscle spasm.
— Edema and inflammation e.g. post traumatic swelling
of hands and feet, tenosynovitis. Rheumatic conditions,
degenerative joint disease.
— Stiff joints.
— Adhesions and Scars.
— Old sprain, strain and contusion.
9. Contraindication of Paraffin
wax:
Dr. Ahmed M. El-
Sodany
9
— Impairment of skin sensation.
— Some dermatological conditions e.g. dermatitis.
— Circulatory dysfunction e.g. varicosveins, deep vein
thrombosis and arterial diseases.
— Analgesic drugs due to pain, tolerance of heat are
impaired.
— Cancer or tuberculosis: in the area to be treated
because it increases the rate of growth and spread the
disease due to the heat and the metabolic rate.
10. Contraindication of Paraffin
wax:
Dr. Ahmed M. El-
Sodany
10
— Infection and open wounds.
— Gross edema; the skin is very thin and delicate and
may be damaged.
— Lack of comprehension e.g. children - very old patient.
— Deep X ray therapy
11. Advantages of Paraffin Wax
Therapy
Dr. Ahmed M. El-
Sodany
11
— More than one patient can be treated in one time.
— It can be combined with exercises especially after
removal of plaster cast following fracture without
supervision.
— It can be used at home.
— It can be molded around the bone contours of hands &
feet.
12. Disadvantages:
Dr. Ahmed M. El-
Sodany
12
— Effective only for distal extremities,
— Most effective method of application is the bath
method, which limits accessibility for other body
parts to be treated.
— No method of temp control once applied.
— Heating lasts only about 20 minutes.
13. Disadvantages:
Dr. Ahmed M. El-
Sodany
13
— It is a passive treatment ex. may not be performed
simultaneously.
— Sedimentation occurs at bottom of bath.
— The bath must be cleaned regularly & emptied at least
twice a year.
— Contamination of oil may occur by atmospheric dust.
