electrotherapy

1. HYDROCOLLATOR PACKS
[Moist Heat Packs]
BY – PAYAL TOSHNIWAL

2. OBJECTIVES
1. INTRODUCTION
2. HYDROCOLLATOR PACKS
3. HYDRO COLLATOR UNIT
4. METHODS OF APPLICATION
5. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
6. ADVANTAGES
7. DISADVANTAGES
8. INDICATIONS
9. CONTRAINDICATIONS
10. PRECAUTIONS
11. CARE OF UNIT

3. INTRODUCTION
 The hydrocollator packs are first
introduced in 1947.
 Hot packs are a way of transferring heat to
the patient by conduction.

4. HYDROCOLLATOR PACK
 Hydrocollator pack is a fabric envelope
containing Silica gel or bentonite crystal
packs.
 The gel is contained in a separate fabric
pockets.
 The main property of the gel or crystal is its
:-
1. Capability to absorb many times its own
volume of water.

6. •The packs are heated in a hydrocollator unit.
The pack retains its heat for 30-40 minutes but
after that, the patient may regard the pack as cool.
 pack comes in various sizes & shapes.
The pack is applied to the body after being
wrapped in :-
1) Turkish towels.
2) special terry cloth blankets.
The temp of pack is almost above 75˚C
 The pack lasts about six months.

8. HYDROCOLLATO
R UNIT

9. HYDROCOLLATOR UNIT
The hydro-collator unit is a stainless steel tank in
which silica gel packs/ bentonite crystal packs are
heated.
The capacities of the machines vary , and all units
have insulated bases.
The units contain a wire rack which acts as a
divider for the packs & prevent contact of packs
with the bottom of the tank.

11.  The heater is thermostatically controlled and
maintains water in the unit at a temperature
b/w 70˚C and 80˚C.
 The packs supported on racks takes almost 2 hrs to
become fully heated.

12. METHOD OF APPLICATION
1. PREPARATION OF THE APPARATUS
2. PREPARATION OF THE PATIENT
3. APPLICATION OF THE HOT PACK

13. PREPARATION OF THE APPARATUS
 Select the hot pack of particular size depending upon
the area to be treated.
 select the towel of particular size so that 4-8 layers of
towel can be maintained b/w the pack & skin , this is
required to maintain the temp. within 42˚C , although
the pack is in a temp. of about 75˚C.
 A plastic sheet is required b/w the towel & the pack
that prevents the towel from getting wet & enhances
the insulating effect.

14. PREPARATION OF THE PATIENT
 The patient should be explained about the
treatment.
 The part to be treated is undressed.
 Any jewelry present over the part to be treated is
removed and the patient’s skin is tested for
thermal sensation.
 Any other contraindications to treatment are also
checked.
 The patient’s part to be treated is positioned in the
required position of therapy.

15. APPLICATION OF THE HOT PACK
 The gel pack is taken out from the tank & is shaken to
remove
the excess water.
 A plastic sheet is put over the pack & a dry towel is
wrapped around.
 The pack is placed over the part to be treated and kept
in position for 20-30 minutes.
 A bell/other calling devices may be given to the patient
, so that he/she can ask for help is there is any
discomfort.
 After the treatment is over , remove the pack & inspect
the treatment area.

17. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
1. EFFECT ON MUSCULAR SPASM – helps in relieving
muscle spasm.
2. RISE IN TEMPERATURE- following hot pack
application there is local rise in skin temperature.
3. INCREASE IN CIRCULATION – result of rise in temp.
there is increase in circulation & relieves spasm and
pain.
Provides fresh supply of blood & nutrition.
4. METABOLIC EFFECT- increased metabolic effect
5. TISSUE EXTENSIBILITY- increased tissue

18. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
 ADVANTAGES-
1. Easy to use
2. Inexpensive materials & long life.
3. Covers areas as desired in body.
4. Requires no special skill to apply.
5. Safe to use & easily available.
 DISADVANTAGES-
1. Sometimes the patient fails to tolerate the weight of
the pack.
2. Active motion is not possible during treatment.
3. Does not retain heat for more than 30 minutes.

19. INDICATIONS
1. Pain
2. Muscle spasm.
3. Odema.

20. CONTRAINDICATIONS
1. Impaired skin sensation.
2. Circulatory dysfunction.
3. Recent haemmorhage.
4. Infections and open wounds.
5. Cancer and Tuberculosis.
6. Skin allergy.
7. Deep x-ray therapy.
8. Lack of comprehension.
9. Analgesic drugs.

21. PRECAUTIONS
1. BURNS may occur due to-
 Insufficient toweling.
 High temp. of pack.
 Impaired circulation.
2. DEHYDRATION-
Excessive sweating may produce dehydration.

22. CARE OF UNIT
1. The unit should be cleaned periodically.
2. The water level should be kept up to 3/4th full of
water or slightly over the top of the packs at all
times.