This document discusses whirlpool bath therapy. It describes how whirlpool baths combine water temperature and mechanical stimulation from jets of water or air to provide therapeutic benefits. Different types of whirlpool baths are used for specific body parts or full immersion. Benefits include pain relief, relaxation of muscles, improved circulation, and preparation for other treatments. Proper technique and monitoring for safety is important when using whirlpool baths.

1. Water Applications Combined With
Mechanical Stimulation

2. USAGE OF WATER FOR THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES
USE OF WHIRLPOOL BATH HAS BECOME
INCREASINGLY VALUABLE MEANS OF
PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC TREATMENT

3. Principle of application
THE PRINCIPLE OF WHIRLPOOL THERAPY IS TO
COMBINE THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE WITH
THE MECHANICAL EFFECTS OF WATER
WARM WHIRLPOOL CONTAINS WATER AT
TEMPERATURE RANGES BETWEEN 36-45 DEGREE
CELECIUS AND A JET OF WATER OR AIR STREAM
ALLOWED TO PRODUCE TURBULENCE IN WATER

4. THIS TURBULENCE IS PRODUCED BY A
ELECTRICAL MOTOR INCORPORATED INTO THE
APPARATUS
DEPENDING UPON THE
APPARATUS,WHIRLPOOL BATH CAN BE USED
FOR THE TREATMENT OF LIMBS OR WHOLE
BODY

5. Types of Whirlpool Baths
Low boy tank
High boy tank
Hubbard tank
Extrimity tank

6. Low boy tank- The Low Boy Tank can be used to
allow an adult to sit in the tank and can range in
capacity from 75 to 105 gallons

7. High boy tank-
sometimes referred to as a
hip or leg tank, can allow
for the immersion of both
lower extremities
Capacity can range from
60 to 105 gallons

8. Full body immersion/Hubbard tank- The Hubbard
Tank has a greater potential for exercise during
treatment due to it's size and can accomodate a full
body treatment
Capacity can range anywhere from 200 gallons to
more than 400 gallons

9. Full body immersion/Hubbard tank- figure 8 pattern.
The pattern can allow for easy access to the patient.
Note that the larger tanks can also have more than
one turbine for agitation.

10. •Full body immersion/Hubbard tank-
•Butterfly shape
•Underwater exercises

11. Hubbard tank
8 feet long * 6 feet wide * 4 feet deep
425 gallons of water
Turbines, stretcher, hoist
Chances of contamination
Expensive secondary to amount of water, time to
clean

12. Extrimity tank- The Extremity Tank is usually used
for the upper or lower extremities and has a capacity
of 10 to 45 gallons of water

13. Temperature Range
Cold: 55-65 degrees F acute inflammation
Cool: 65-80 degrees F acute inflammation
Tepid: 80-95 degrees F exercise, acute inflammation
if cold not tolerated, open wound, dec tone
Warm: 96-99 degrees F mobility, burns
Hot: 99-104 degrees F pain, ROM, soft tissue
extensibility
Very Hot: 104-110 degrees F-chronic conditions

14. Technique of application
1. The whirlpool tank is filled with water
2. The water temperature is checked by hand and
thermometer
3. Adjust the patient’s position in accordance to the treated
body part and considering both comfort and security.
4. Explain the procedure and reassure the patient
5. Place the body part in the water
6. Encourage the patient to move while keeping the body
part under water during the treatment in case of joint
involvement
7. After completion of treatment, dry the body part and
wrap it keeping it warm

15. Therapeutic effects
The whirlpool bath combines the values of
conductive heat and gentle massage
A sedative action.
A relief of pain by stimuli which act through the pain
gait mechanism.
A relaxation of muscle spasms.

16. Actions
1. Producing vasodilatation
2. Improving local arterial and lymphatic circulation.
3. Softening of scar tissue.
4. Breaking down old adhesions after fractures of sprains.
5. Cleaning and stimulation of wounds.
6. Mechanically removing dirt, dead tissue and pus.
7. Causing regression of the inflammatory process.
8. Diminution of edema and effusion.

17. THE PART TO BE TREATED IS IMMERSED INTO
THE WATER AND JET OF STREAM IS ALLOWED
TO PRODUCE TURBULENCE IN THE HOT WATER
TREATMENT IS USUALLY GIVEN FOR 15-20
MINUTES

19. WHIRLPOOL BATHS IS USED IN RHEUMATIC
DISORDERS,POST TRAUMATIC STIFFNESS AND
JOINT PAIN
IT IS EFFECTIVELY USED IN SPORTS MEDICINE
FOR RELAXATION AFTER PRACTICE OR
COMPETITION

21. USES
Burns if no agitation is used
Open wounds for debridment purposes
Post-operative orthopedic conditions where the water
will add a bouyancy element to eliminate the weight
of the extrmity for movement
As a resistance force for exercise

22. BEWARE OF
Any adverse conditions that may appear
Skin pallor
Shivering
Dizziness
Rapid , weak pulse
Headache
Increase in edema
Decrease in ROM
Hyperventilation
“Seasickness".

23. Indications
1. Poor circulation
2. Chronic edema
3. Separate dead tissue
4. Pain relief in amputations ( phantom pain)
5. After removal of plaster cast (fractures)
6. Stiff joints
7. Infected wounds with added antiseptic agent→
8. Arthritis with stiff and swollen joints
9. Polyomyelitis and paraplegia to improve circulation
10. Traumatic and chronic inflammatory conditions
11. Weak and painful feet
12. As preparation to massage, passive stretching and exercises

24. CONTRAINDICATIONS
FVERISH PATIENT
RECENT SKIN GRAFTS
CIRCULATORY IMPAIRMENT
ACTIVE BLEEDING
OPEN WOUNDS
HAEMMORHAGE
SKIN ALLERGY