Hydrocollator packs provide moist heat therapy using packs heated in a hydrocollator unit. The unit heats silica gel packs to temperatures between 65-80°C. Heated packs are applied to patients using towels as insulation layers to maintain skin temperature at 40-42°C. Treatments last 20-30 minutes and are used to relieve pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation. Care must be taken to avoid burns by regularly checking skin temperature and replacing packs as needed.

2. They provide physiotherapists with a constant
supply of ready to use heated packs.
Hot packs are the packs which are immersed in
an apparatus called hydrocollator packs.

3. They provides superficial moist heat to the part
where applied.
Dry heat packs which are most common
include hot water bag or bottle, microwave
pack and electrically heated packs.

4. The hydrocollator unit is made up of
stainless steel tank in which silica gel
packs are heated.
The heater is mechanically controlled and
maintains water in the unit at a temperature
between 65°C -80°C.
The aim of the hydrocollator pack is to rise
the body temperature at 40-45°C.

6.  The capacity of the machines varies and all units
have insulated base.
 Larger unit insulated with fiber glass.
 The unit contains wire rack which acts as a
divider for the packs and prevents contact of
packs with bottom of the tank.
 The heater is thermostatically controlled and
maintains water in the unit at a temperature
between 70°C to 75° C.

7. Hydrocollator packs are available in
various sizes and shapes
The sizes and shape of the packs should
be chosen on the basis of area being
treated.

8. The common sizes are small(for smaller
joint like elbow, ankle), larger (for larger
joint like hip and back), countered(for
cervical spine).
The moist heat packs are a superficial
heat modality transferring energy to the
patient’s skin by way of conduction.

10. Contact technique with the moisture
assisting the transfer of heat. Each
subsequent underlying tissue layer is
heated through conduction from the
overlying tissue.
The moist heat pack (hydro collator pack)
is a canvas pouch filled with bentonite a
hydrophilic silica gel or a similar
substance capable of absorbing a large
number of water molecules.

11.  They are design to fit on nearly any body
contour and are used repeatedly after each use.
 Moist hot packs are suitable for use over
localized areas and large areas like back and
neck with wide range of size and shape.
 The effectiveness of the pack is diminished
when used over irregular areas such as ankle or
fingers.

12. These packs are capable of maintaining a
workable therapeutic temperature for 30
to 45 minutes after removal from the
heating unit.
The packs generally last for about six
months. If it starts leaking replace it.

13. 1. Ensure that the thermostat is at 70°C to
75° C. switch on the machine which will
take approximately 2 hours to heat. The
unit can be left plugged in for any length
of time, provided the water level is
maintained. Check that the room
temperature is between 21°C to 23° C.

14. 2. A patient is free of contraindications for
this treatment technique. Inspect the area
to be treated for abrasions, cuts, wounds,
scars, oedema and any circulatory
dysfunction.

15. 3. Test for hot and cold sensation for skin
sensitivity.
4. The part to be treated must be supported fully
in a comfortable position and relaxed.
5. The pack is taken out by means of tong.
6. The patient should tolerate the pressure of
pack weight and the rise of 7°C to 10° C.
temperature.

16. 7. Cover the pack with commercial terry
cloth towel covering; fold the cloth towel
so that there are five to six layers of towel
between the pack and the skin. The
temperature can be increased by removing
towel layers and reduced by adding layers.
The temperature of final layer is around
40-42°C.

17. 8. Place the pack on a comfortable position.
When treating an infectious area cover the skin
totally with sterile gauze. After the treatment
dispose it in biowaste container and wash the
hot pack’s covering with precautions.
9. Explain the patient about the degree of
warmth to be filled, the duration of the
treatment and purpose of the treatment.
10. Ask the patient to inform you if any pain,
discomfort or burning felt during the
procedure.

18. 11. Check the patient after the first 5
minutes for comfort and mottling.
Recheck regularly and adjust the toweling
if needed. To maintain high temperature
replace the hot pack every 8 to 10
minutes. Care should be taken to check
for burns arising from increased
temperatures and rebound
vasoconstriction.

19. 12. After completion of treatment return
the moist pack to the heating unit and
allow it to reheat for a minimum of 30 to
45 minutes before reuse.

20. 20 to 30 minutes. When treating deep
structures the treatment duration should be
increased as the amount of adipose tissue is
more.
Treatment may be repeated as needed but
sufficient time should be allowed for skin to
cool before the next session.

21.  Effect on muscular spasm
 Local rise in temperature
 Increase of local temperature
 Skin and connective tissue
 Relieve of pain

22. Pain and muscle spasm
Inflammation
Oedemas
Adhesions

23. Impaired skin sensation
Some dermatological conditions
Circulatory dysfunction
Analgesics drug
Infection and open wounds

24. Cancer or tuberculosis in the area to be
treated
Gross oedema with a very thin and
delicate skins
Lack of comprehension
Deep x-ray therapy
Liniments

25. Hot packs are easy to apply n saves
time for personal, and is efficient in
heat conduction depending on area
treated.
The packs are of various sizes, which
fits most clinical needs.

26. Moist heat have more sedative effect than
the dry heat at maximal temperature, and
is more uniform than in electrically
heated packs
The packs can be laid out ready for the
patient to place on the affected part.

27. It is not easily applied to shoulder and hip
It is somewhat heavy and cannot be used
over very sensitive areas, since it can
increase the discomfort.
Sometimes it has a tendency to cause skin
rash.

28. Do not allow the moist heat pack to come
into direct contact with the skin to avoid
burns.
If the pack changed during the course of
the treatment additional care must be
taken to prevent burns.

29. Infected areas must be covered with
sterile gauze to collect seepage.
Do not allow the patient to lie on the heat
pack. Or put extra layers of insulation.

30. Unplug and drain the heating unit. Follow
the guidelines properly.
Clean the storage unit, the racks and the
heating element with SS cleanser, vinegar
and water mixture or mild abrasive
cleaner. Do not use chlorine bleach as it
damage the unit.

31. Allow new moist pack to soak fully
immersed in warm water for 2 hours
before placing them in the heating unit.
Ensure daily that the water level covers
the top of the moist heating packs.