Hydrocollator treatment in Physiotherapy

1. Sreeraj S R
Dr Sreeraj S R, Ph.D.

2. Sreeraj S R
Hot Packs are a way of transferring heat to the patient by
conduction.
Commercial hot packs is one of the most common ways to
deliver superficial moist heat.
The heating unit is called a HYDROCOLLATOR UNIT

3. Sreeraj S R
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.

4. Sreeraj S R
These packs are stored in thermostatically controlled water tanks
Water in the unit maintained at a temperature between 70°C and 80°C.
It can be left on continuously if there is enough water in the tank.
A hydrocollator pack is good in any situation that requires penetrating
heat.

5. Sreeraj S R

6. Sreeraj S R
A hydro collator pack is a fabric envelope containing silica gel or
BENTONITE crystal packs .
Bentonite is an absorbent swelling clay consisting mostly
of montmorillonite.
As a swelling clay, bentonite can absorb large quantities of water,
which increases its volume by up to a factor of eight.
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.

7. Sreeraj S R
These packs are heated in a hydro-collator unit at a temperature of
above 75˚C
It give moist heat for 30 to 40 minutes
Packs come in various sizes and shapes

8. Sreeraj S R

9. Sreeraj S R
The packs are wrapped in:
 Turkish towels – 6- 8 layers of toweling
 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.

10. Sreeraj S R
The pack is applied to the body after being wrapped in 6- 8
layers of toweling or blankets.
This provides THERMAL INSULATION
The skin temperature should not rise above 42˚C or so.

11. Sreeraj S R
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.

12. Sreeraj S R
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 tend to cause a skin rash.

13. Sreeraj S R
BURNS may occur due to;
Insufficient toweling
The temperature of the pack could be too high
Impaired circulation
DEHYDRATION – Excessive sweating may produce dehydration

14. Sreeraj S R
Remove the pack from the unit & place it on the towel.
Fold another towel into 4 – 6 layers & place it over the pack.
Wrap the whole pack up with the bottom towel.
The temperature of the wrapped pack should not exceed the
44˚C

15. Sreeraj S R
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.

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18. Sreeraj S R
The water level should be always kept up to 3/4th full of water
or slightly over the top of the packs
The unit should be cleaned periodically

19. Sreeraj S R
Hemodynamic
effect
Neuromuscular
effect
Metabolic effect Tissue
extensibility

20. Sreeraj S R
↑ Temperature
Inflammation
↑ Vasodilator
(Histamine &
Prostaglandin)
release
Vasodilatiation
Cutaneous
thermoreceptors
Spinal cord dorsal
root ganglion
Smooth muscle
relaxation

21. Sreeraj S R
Neuromuscular effect
Increased NCV
Increased pain threshold
Changes in muscle strength
Metabolic effect
Increased metabolic rate
Tissue extensibility
Increased tissue extensibility

22. Sreeraj S R
1. Pain
2. Muscle spasm
3. Edema.
4. Adhesions.

23. Sreeraj S R
1. Impaired Skin Sensation
2. Circulatory dysfunction
3. Analgesic drugs
4. Infections local and general
(Tuberculosis)
5. Open wounds
6. Cancer
7. Gross Oedema
8. Lack of Comprehension
9. Deep X-Ray Therapy
10. Liniments like Menthol and local
anesthetics

24. Sreeraj S R