Paraffin Wax Bath: Difference between revisions
(Pouring method) |
(References) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
It is a form of deep heating therapy which mainly use paraffin oil and wax to promote pain relief to hand, feet, sore joints and muscles. The actual temperature of paraffin wax is 42-52°C whereas its melting point is 51-54.4°C. The melted wax should not be poured directly on the body tissue as it may lead to thermal injuries. In order to avoid this, melting point of wax is usually lowered by adding an impurity in the form of paraffin oil. | It is a form of deep heating therapy which mainly use paraffin oil and wax to promote pain relief to hand, feet, sore joints and muscles. The actual temperature of paraffin wax is 42-52°C whereas its melting point is 51-54.4°C. The melted wax should not be poured directly on the body tissue as it may lead to thermal injuries. In order to avoid this, melting point of wax is usually lowered by adding an impurity in the form of paraffin oil.<ref name=":0">[https://accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com/book.aspx?bookid=2223 William E. Prentice. (2005) Therapeutic modalities in rehabilitation. 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill Medical.]</ref> | ||
== Physical Principle == | == Physical Principle == | ||
The heat transfer during paraffin wax bath therapy occurs through conduction from the layer of solid paraffin wax into the skin. When the warm paraffin wax are applied to the skin, it causes the blood vessels to get expand by improving the circulation, promote healing and removing toxins out of the skin. | The heat transfer during paraffin wax bath therapy occurs through conduction from the layer of solid paraffin wax into the skin. When the warm paraffin wax are applied to the skin, it causes the blood vessels to get expand by improving the circulation, promote healing and removing toxins out of the skin.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
== Paraffin Wax Bath Unit == | == Paraffin Wax Bath Unit == | ||
| Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
* The container of PWB is usually made up of steel. | * The container of PWB is usually made up of steel. | ||
* The ratio of paraffin wax and mineral oil is 6:1 or 7:1 | * The ratio of paraffin wax and mineral oil is 6:1 or 7:1 | ||
* The composition of the solid wax : liquid paraffin : petroleum jelly is 2:1:1 | * The composition of the solid wax : liquid paraffin : petroleum jelly is 2:1:1 <ref name=":1">[https://www.amazon.in/Electrotherapy-Explained-Principles-Practice-Robertson/dp/0750688432 Val Robertson, Alex Ward, John Low John Low Ann Reed, (2006), Electrotherapy Explained: Principles and Practice, 4th Edition. Butterworth-Heinemann.] </ref><ref name=":0" /> | ||
== Preparation of Patient == | == Preparation of Patient == | ||
| Line 24: | Line 24: | ||
* Check the temperature of the bath. | * Check the temperature of the bath. | ||
* Select convenient or appropriate method of application. | * Select convenient or appropriate method of application. | ||
* Inspect the body part after the treatment. | * Inspect the body part after the treatment. <ref name=":2">[https://www.amazon.in/Physical-Agents-Rehabilitation-Research-Practice/dp/1455728489 Michelle H. Cameron. Physical Agents in Rehabilitation from Research to Practice (2009). Saunders/Elsevier.]</ref> | ||
== Method of Application == | == Method of Application == | ||
| Line 33: | Line 33: | ||
* Brush method | * Brush method | ||
* Bandage method | * Bandage method | ||
* Pouring method | * Pouring method <ref name=":1" /> | ||
=== Dip method === | === Dip method === | ||
In this method, the therapist will instruct the patient to dip his/her extremity to be treated in the PWB. Remove the extremity once the paraffin solidifies or becomes thick which covers the skin. Dipping should be done for 8-12 times until a thick coat is formed. Once thick coating of wax is formed the treated area should be wrapped 1st in a plastic and then wrapped with a towel. This method of PWB promotes mild heating. The treatment duration should be 10-15 minutes. | In this method, the therapist will instruct the patient to dip his/her extremity to be treated in the PWB. Remove the extremity once the paraffin solidifies or becomes thick which covers the skin. Dipping should be done for 8-12 times until a thick coat is formed. Once thick coating of wax is formed the treated area should be wrapped 1st in a plastic and then wrapped with a towel. This method of PWB promotes mild heating. The treatment duration should be 10-15 minutes. <ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> | ||
=== Immersion method === | === Immersion method === | ||
In this method, the therapist will instruct the patient to dip his/her extremity for 3-4 times in the PWB until a thin coat is formed and then left immersed in paraffin for 20-30 minutes. This method of PWB promotes vigorous heating to the affected extremity. | In this method, the therapist will instruct the patient to dip his/her extremity for 3-4 times in the PWB until a thin coat is formed and then left immersed in paraffin for 20-30 minutes. This method of PWB promotes vigorous heating to the affected extremity. <ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> | ||
=== Brush method === | === Brush method === | ||
In this method, the therapist will apply 8-10 coats of wax on the affected body part with the help of paint brush using even and rapid strokes. Once thick coating of wax is formed the treated area should be wrapped 1st in a plastic and then wrapped with a towel for 10-20 minutes. This method of PWB is more commonly used. | In this method, the therapist will apply 8-10 coats of wax on the affected body part with the help of paint brush using even and rapid strokes. Once thick coating of wax is formed the treated area should be wrapped 1st in a plastic and then wrapped with a towel for 10-20 minutes. This method of PWB is more commonly used. <ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> | ||
=== Bandage method === | === Bandage method === | ||
A towel or a bandage of suitable size will be immersed in paraffin wax and then wrapped around the body part to be treated. Additional wax then can be poured or brushed over the bandage. This method can be commonly used for treating proximal parts of the body. | A towel or a bandage of suitable size will be immersed in paraffin wax and then wrapped around the body part to be treated. Additional wax then can be poured or brushed over the bandage. This method can be commonly used for treating proximal parts of the body. <ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> | ||
=== Pouring method === | === Pouring method === | ||
In this method, the therapist will be using a mug or utensil to directly pour a wax on the part to be treated. Wax should be poured 7 to 10 times to create a thick coat, then covered with a plastic cover and wrapped around with a towel. Treatment duration includes 10-15 minutes. This method will be commonly used for knee and elbow. | In this method, the therapist will be using a mug or utensil to directly pour a wax on the part to be treated. Wax should be poured 7 to 10 times to create a thick coat, then covered with a plastic cover and wrapped around with a towel. Treatment duration includes 10-15 minutes. This method will be commonly used for knee and elbow.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> | ||
== Indications == | |||
# Osteoarthritis | |||
# Rheumatoid arthritis | |||
# Tenosynovitis | |||
# Joint stiffness | |||
# Leprosy | |||
# Scleroderma | |||
# Dupuytren's contracture | |||
# Sudeck's atrophy | |||
# Soft tissue contractures<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">[https://www.amazon.in/Electrotherapy-evidence-based-practice-Physiotherapy-Essentials/dp/0443101795 Tim Watson (2008), Electrotherapy: evidence-based practice. Physiotherapy essentials Churchill Livingstone.]</ref> | |||
== Contraindications == | |||
# Open wounds | |||
# Infective conditions | |||
# Allergic rashes | |||
# Deep vein thrombosis | |||
# Impaired sensations | |||
# Acute dermatitis<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> | |||
== Clinical Effects of PWB == | |||
* Relieving musculoskeletal pain | |||
* Reducing stiffness | |||
* Increase in local temperature | |||
* Increase sweating | |||
* Increase in local circulation <ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> | |||
== Precautions == | |||
•Temperature of the paraffin wax should be checked prior applying. | |||
•The skin must be dry, as water droplets may result in burns.<ref name=":2" /> | |||
Revision as of 11:01, 22 June 2022
Introduction[edit | edit source]
It is a form of deep heating therapy which mainly use paraffin oil and wax to promote pain relief to hand, feet, sore joints and muscles. The actual temperature of paraffin wax is 42-52°C whereas its melting point is 51-54.4°C. The melted wax should not be poured directly on the body tissue as it may lead to thermal injuries. In order to avoid this, melting point of wax is usually lowered by adding an impurity in the form of paraffin oil.[1]
Physical Principle[edit | edit source]
The heat transfer during paraffin wax bath therapy occurs through conduction from the layer of solid paraffin wax into the skin. When the warm paraffin wax are applied to the skin, it causes the blood vessels to get expand by improving the circulation, promote healing and removing toxins out of the skin.[1]
Paraffin Wax Bath Unit[edit | edit source]
- Parts of PWB includes container, mains, thermostat, thermostat pilot lamp, cap and casters.
- The container of PWB is usually made up of steel.
- The ratio of paraffin wax and mineral oil is 6:1 or 7:1
- The composition of the solid wax : liquid paraffin : petroleum jelly is 2:1:1 [2][1]
Preparation of Patient[edit | edit source]
- Explain the procedure to the patient prior applying PWB.
- Expose the body part to be treated.
- Remove jewelry or metal if any.
- Check for the sensation of the patient.
- Check for the contraindications if any.
- Thoroughly inspect the body part to be treated.
- Ensure comfortable position of the patient.
- Check the temperature selected on thermostat before treatment.
- Check the temperature of the bath.
- Select convenient or appropriate method of application.
- Inspect the body part after the treatment. [3]
Method of Application[edit | edit source]
There are various methods used for the application of paraffin wax such as-
- Dip method
- Immersion method
- Brush method
- Bandage method
- Pouring method [2]
Dip method[edit | edit source]
In this method, the therapist will instruct the patient to dip his/her extremity to be treated in the PWB. Remove the extremity once the paraffin solidifies or becomes thick which covers the skin. Dipping should be done for 8-12 times until a thick coat is formed. Once thick coating of wax is formed the treated area should be wrapped 1st in a plastic and then wrapped with a towel. This method of PWB promotes mild heating. The treatment duration should be 10-15 minutes. [2][3]
Immersion method[edit | edit source]
In this method, the therapist will instruct the patient to dip his/her extremity for 3-4 times in the PWB until a thin coat is formed and then left immersed in paraffin for 20-30 minutes. This method of PWB promotes vigorous heating to the affected extremity. [2][3]
Brush method[edit | edit source]
In this method, the therapist will apply 8-10 coats of wax on the affected body part with the help of paint brush using even and rapid strokes. Once thick coating of wax is formed the treated area should be wrapped 1st in a plastic and then wrapped with a towel for 10-20 minutes. This method of PWB is more commonly used. [2][3]
Bandage method[edit | edit source]
A towel or a bandage of suitable size will be immersed in paraffin wax and then wrapped around the body part to be treated. Additional wax then can be poured or brushed over the bandage. This method can be commonly used for treating proximal parts of the body. [2][3]
Pouring method[edit | edit source]
In this method, the therapist will be using a mug or utensil to directly pour a wax on the part to be treated. Wax should be poured 7 to 10 times to create a thick coat, then covered with a plastic cover and wrapped around with a towel. Treatment duration includes 10-15 minutes. This method will be commonly used for knee and elbow.[2][3]
Indications[edit | edit source]
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tenosynovitis
- Joint stiffness
- Leprosy
- Scleroderma
- Dupuytren's contracture
- Sudeck's atrophy
- Soft tissue contractures[3][4]
Contraindications[edit | edit source]
- Open wounds
- Infective conditions
- Allergic rashes
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Impaired sensations
- Acute dermatitis[3][4]
Clinical Effects of PWB[edit | edit source]
- Relieving musculoskeletal pain
- Reducing stiffness
- Increase in local temperature
- Increase sweating
- Increase in local circulation [1][4]
Precautions[edit | edit source]
•Temperature of the paraffin wax should be checked prior applying.
•The skin must be dry, as water droplets may result in burns.[3]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 William E. Prentice. (2005) Therapeutic modalities in rehabilitation. 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill Medical.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Val Robertson, Alex Ward, John Low John Low Ann Reed, (2006), Electrotherapy Explained: Principles and Practice, 4th Edition. Butterworth-Heinemann.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Michelle H. Cameron. Physical Agents in Rehabilitation from Research to Practice (2009). Saunders/Elsevier.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Tim Watson (2008), Electrotherapy: evidence-based practice. Physiotherapy essentials Churchill Livingstone.
