The document outlines the use and application of hydrocollator packs, which deliver moist heat for therapeutic purposes. It details the physiological effects, advantages, disadvantages, methods of application, and precautions necessary for safe use, along with indications and contraindications. The hydrocollator unit is described as efficient for providing consistent heat, while emphasizing the importance of patient preparation and safety measures.

1. HYDROCOLLATOR PACK
DR. ANERI PATWARI
MPT-CARDIORESPIRATORY
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

2. BEFORE APPLICATION OF
ANY THERMAL MODALITY
ASSESS FOR THERMAL
SENSATION

3. INTRODUCTION
•The hydrocollator packs are first introduced in 1947
•Hot packs are the packs which are immersed in an apparatus called
HYDROCOLLATOR UNIT
•Commercial hot packs is one of the most common ways to deliver superficial
moist heat
•The use of moist heat as a therapeutic agent is one of the oldest forms of medicine

5. PRINCIPLE
•Hot Packs are a way of transferring heat to the patient by conduction
•It is a process by which heat is transferred from the hotter end to the colder end of an object.
•The law of heat conduction, also known as Fourier's law, states that the rate of heat
transfer through a material is proportional to the negative gradient in the temperature and to the
area, at right angles to that gradient, through which the heat flows
•q= -K ∇T
•where (including the SI units)
•Q is the local heat flux density, W/m2,
•K is the material's conductivity, W/(m·K),
•∇T is the temperature gradient, K/m.

6. INTRODUCTION
•The hydro-collator unit is a stainless steel tank in which silica gel packs or
BENTONITE crystal packs are heated.
• The capacities of the machines vary, and all units have insulated bases, the larger
machines being insulated with fiberglass.
•The units contain a wire rack which acts as divider for the packs and prevents
contact of packs with the bottom of the tank.
•These packs are stored in thermostatically controlled and maintains water in the
unit at a temperature between 70°C and 80°C.
•It can be left on continuously as long as there is enough water in the tank.
•A hydrocollator pack is good in any situation that requires penetrating heat.

7. INTRODUCTION
•A hydro collator pack is a fabric envelope containing silica gel or BENTONITE
crystal packs .
•The main property of the gel or crystal is
its capability to absorb many times its own volume of water
provides a considerable store of heat energy.
•These packs are heated in a hydro-collator unit. It give moist heat for 30 to 40
minutes Packs come in various sizes and shape

9. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS

10. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
• Neuromuscular effect:
Increased NCV,
Increased pain threshold
Changes in muscle strength
•Metabolic effect: Increased metabolic rate
•Tissue extensibility: Increased tissue extensibility

11. ADVANTAGES
1. A hydro-collator pack is easy to apply
2. The packs are of various sizes which fit
most clinical needs.
3. Moist heat has a more sedative effect than
dry heat.
4. low cost, minimal maintenance, long life
5. Maximal temperatures are more uniform
than in electrically-heated pads.
6. The patient does not need much handling.
7. The pads can be laid out ready for the
patient to place on the affected part.
DIS-ADVANTAGES
1. A hydro-collator pack is not easily applied
around shoulders and hips.
2. It is somewhat heavy and should not be
used on extremely sensitive patients, since
it can create discomfort.
3. Sometimes moist packs have a tendency to
cause a skin rash

12. DANGERS & PRECAUTIONS
•BURNS may occur due to
Insufficient toweling
The temperature of the pack could be too high
Impaired circulation
•DEHYDRATION – Excessive sweating may produce dehydration

13. METHODS OFAPPLICATION
1. Preparation of the apparatus
2. preparation of the patient
3. Application of the hot pack

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.
•They wrapped in Turkish towels ; Special / commercial terry cloth blankets
• Large packs may be wrapped in bath blankets , The packs last about six
months.
•When they begin to wear out the filler leaks out and makes the water cloudy;
they should then be replaced.
•The pack is applied to the body after being wrapped adequately in toweling or
blankets. This provides THERMAL INSULATION

17. APPLICATION OF THE HOT PACK
•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.
•Monitor the initial response from the patient to treatment during the first 5 to 10
min ask the patient for feedback & by visually inspecting the skin.
•If necessary, adjust the layers of toweling.
• During the treatment maintain the position of hot pack ensure that it does not
exacerbate pain, produce discomfort or occlude circulation.

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

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

21. SUMMARY