Question

Give an example of when hot therapy should be used and why

Give an example of when cold therapy should be used and why.

i post this two question three days ago they give me the example but there was no answer why

please  can you say why the example used for the hot therapy and why for the cold therapy i don' t need just example i want to know why too

Answer 1

Applications of heat and cold are commonly used in the hospital and in homes. It is also used in the course of physical medicine as a part of a rehabilitation. Application depends upon the various factor :

• Purpose
• Age
• Physical health

HOT THERAPY

Application of means of agent warmer than the body temperature.

Examples:

• Used in the muscular spasm
• Relieve urine retention - By increasing the blood  flow smooth muscle get relaxed helping in urine retention
• To reduce inflammation - By causing vasodilation
• To relieve oedema

Effects of hot applications:

• Vasodilation - Increase blood supply and relieve pain caused by local congestion.
• Reduce blood viscosity - Improves the supply of antibodies and nutrients to the injured area of the body .

COLD THERAPY

Application of cold to small area by different ways e.g. ice compression and packs

Examples:

• To anaesthetize the area for a short period - By decreasing the nerve impulses l
• To apply on forehead to reduce fever and headache - Causes hypothermia and decrease the temperature
• To treat epistaxis

Applications:

• Vasoconstriction - Relieve pain by decreasing nerve impulse conduction by preventing congestion.
• Increase blood viscosity - Controls hemorrhage by coagulation of blood.