1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

Part 1: What is hydrotherapy? What are the uses of hot packs within the scope of massage therapy? What are the uses of cold and ice packs, and ice massage within the scope of massage therapy?

Part 2: Summarize the safe use of cold and ice packs before and during a massage. What are the contraindications? Summarize the safe use of moist hot packs before and during massage. What are the contraindications?

Hydrotherapy is the use of water in one or more forms (i.e. Ice) in health and healing practices.

Thermal Therapy is the application of heat and (or) cooling modalities for local application in the promotion of health and healing.

Methods within the scope of massage therapy include types of hydrotherapy used for health promotion such as those found in health clubs and spas. It also includes the uses of hot and cold applications in the forms of hot and cold packs, and ice.

The application of hot packs prior to massage can help begin muscle relaxation, enhance circulation locally and prepare the area for deeper massage techniques. After massage of an area, hot packs can enhance muscle relaxation and prolong increased local circulation.

Raising tissue temperature to between 104 and 113F increases cell metabolism and blood flow for various therapeutic results. Lower temperatures have little therapeutic effect, and higher temperatures will damage cells.

Local contraindications for the use of hot packs include burns, wounds, swelling, inflammation, and skin conditions (e.g. rashes) that could be made worse by heat. Visual and palpation checks should be done for evidence of contraindications before deciding to use hot packs.

Cold applied directly to the muscles and related soft tissues causes vasoconstriction and decreased local circulation. There is also a decrease in metabolism, nerve conduction velocity, pain, muscle spindle activity, and spasm in the cold area. Cold applied locally can also act eventually to lower core body temperature.

Cold applications to tissues after trauma or injury can decrease secondary cell and tissue damage, limiting worsening of soft tissue injury and preventing further swelling of tissues and edema.

First aid for a strain or sprain, or a blow to soft tissues, includes immediate application of cold, preferably as cold as ice. This limits hemorrhaging, swelling, and secondary cell hypoxia or damage.

Cryotherapy is used most often in massage in settings where clients are likely to have soft tissue injury or pain. (i.e. sports medicine, and rehab settings)

Contraindications to local cold applications include circulatory insufficiency such as with Raynaud's disease and diabetes, allergic reaction to cold, cold sensitivity, or chilling. Clients with multiple sclerosis or asthma may not react well to cold. Special care must be taken with those clients who take medications that may reduce skin sensation, alter the reaction of blood vessels to heat and cold, or reduce their body temperature control mechanisms.

Learn more about this author, Fineus T..
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Hydrotherapy and Thermo Therapy?
We want to hear your view. Write now!