ELECTROTHERAPY MODALITIES SUPERFICIAL HEATING MODALITY

1. PARAFFIN WAX BATH THERAPY
(PWB)

2. INTRODUCTION
 It is a SUPERFICIAL heating modality.
 Molten paraffin is used to apply on the body parts.
 The temperature of paraffin wax is maintained at 40-
44o C, where as its actual melting point is 51-55oC.
 If molten wax is applied at 51-55oC poured on the body
part, it may cause BURN over the body tissue,
therefore some IMPURITY is added to lower down its
melting point such as LIQUID PARAFFIN or
MINERAL OIL.

3.  PWB provides about 6 TIMES the amount of heat available in water because the mineral oil in
paraffin lowers its melting point.
 Combination of Paraffin + mineral oil has low specific heat which enhances the patients ability
to tolerate heat from the water of same temperature.
 Composition in PWB
WAX: PARAFFIN: PETROLEUM JELLY = 7:3:1
WAX: PARAFFIN = 7:1
 The mode of transmission of heat from paraffin to the patient skin is by means of
CONDUCTION.

4. PWB UNIT
 PARTS
1. CONTAINER
2. MAINS
3. THERMOSTAT
4. THERMOSTAT PILOT LAMP
5. POWER PILOT LAMP
6. CASTER

5.  CONTAINER : It is made up of enamelled baths or stainless steel bowl and outer fiber glass shell. It
contains wax and paraffin oil.
Its main function is to switch on or off the heating element, which is located in the casing of PWB unit.
 THERMOSTAT : It keeps temperature fixed/static in the range which is adjusted with knob.
 THERMOSTATIC PILOT’S LAMP : It denotes weather thermostat is on or off.
 POWER PILOT’S LAMP : Shows weather power is on or off.
 LID : It covers the container.
 CASTER : It allows PWB container to be moved from one place to another.

6. METHODS
1. The part to be treated must be cleaned by soap and
moisture must be soaked by towel.
2. Position of patient should be such that the part to be
treated comes closer to the wax bath container.
3. Before application ensure that there is no moisture
on the part to be treated, otherwise it may cause
burn.
4. The warm wax is placed on body tissue by various
techniques and treatment time is for about 10-20
minutes.

7. TECHNIQUESOF
APPLICATION
1. DIRECT POURING METHOD
 The molten wax is directly poured by a mug or utensil on
the part to be treated and then wrapped around by a
towel.
 The wax is allowed to solidify for about 10-12 minutes.
 Several (4-6) layers can be applied over the body tissue.
2. BRUSHING METHOD
 A brush of various sizes (4”-6”) is used for the application
of the molten wax over the body tissues.
 Several coats (4-6) applied over the body tissue and
allowed to solidify and wrapped over by a towl.

9. TECHNIQUESOF
APPLICATIONS
 3. DIRECT IMMERSION METHOD
The body part to be treated is directly immersed into the
container and taken out.
Once the wax solidifies, the part is again immersed to
make another layer and wrapped around by a towel.
4. TOWELING OR BANDAGING METHOD
A towel or a roll of bandage is immersed in molten
paraffin wax and wrapped around the body part.
Preferred for treating proximal parts of the body.

11. TREATMENT
1. CHECKING THE APPARATUS: check whether
thermostat is working properly.
2. Application : Various methods of applications are
used. Each must be followed as explained earlier.
Wax is allowed to cool and can be re-used for the
next treatment session.
3. TERMINATION: the patient skin is inspected for
any burn.

12. EFFECTSAND
USES
 PWB therapy provides superficial heating to the
tissues.
 It increases the local circulation to the area.
 It increase pliability (flexibility) of the skin.
 Reduces pain and stiffness.

13. INDICATIONS
1. Rheumatoid arthritis
2. Osteoarthritis
3. Joint stiffness, adhesions
4. Post- immobilization stiffness
5. Scars on the skin

14. CONTRAINDICA
TIONS
1. Open wounds
2. Skin rashes
3. Allergic conditions
4. Impaired skin sensation
5. Defective arterial supply

15. MAINTENANCE
OFPWB UNIT
 Sterile the paraffin by heating it to 2120 Fahrenheit.
(100O C)
 For reuse sterilization should be done frequently.
 Drain the melted paraffin wax, filter it out and replace
it back for reuse.
 Change the wax at least once in six months.