HEALTHY LIFE THERAPY: July 2018

WHAT IS HEAT THERAPY

Heat therapy consists of application of heat for the purpose of changing the cutaneous, intra-articular and core temperature of soft tissue with the intention of improving the symptoms of certain conditions. Heat therapy are useful adjuncts for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and soft tissue injuries such as joint pains, arthritis, low back pains etc.

Using heat as a therapeutic intervention decreases pain in joint and muscle as well as soft tissues and they have opposite effects on tissue metabolism, blood flow, inflammation, edema and connective tissue extensibility. Heat therapy can be used in rehabilitation facility.

HOW DOES HEAT THERAPY WORKS
Applying heat increases the temperature of the skin/soft tissue, thereby leading to blood flow.the blood flow increases by vasodilatation . The metabolic rate and the tissue extensibility will also increase. Heat increases oxygen uptake and accelerates tissue healing, it also increases the activity of destructive enzymes, such as collagenase, and increases the catabolic rate.

Heat therapy works to increase blood circulation which promotes healing and relaxing of your muscles. Heat therapy is great for stiff joints and for relaxing muscles prior to sports or exercising. However, heat can also increase swelling in an injured area

Heat Therapy is also used in conjunction with other therapy treatment programmes to relieve pain such as Rheumatic pain, Sciatica, Lumbago, Sprains and Muscle stiffness. Depending on your needs.

IMPORTANCE OF HEAT THERAPY

Heat will reduce muscle spasms
Heat may alleviate pain (heat may induce the release of endorphins, powerful opiate-like chemicals which block pain transmission.)
Improve blood flow (heat tends to relax the walls of blood vessels)
Heat will boost metabolism.Heat can help when stretching muscles and increasing overall flexibility.

HEAT THERAPY IS USED TO TREAT CONDITIONS SUCH AS
Back Pain
Neck Pain
Rheumatic Pain
Sciatica
Lumbago
Sprains
Muscle Stiffness
Pain relief

FORMS OF HEAT THERAPY

Heat therapy can be applied in the form of
Hot packs. (superficial heating)
Heating pads. (Superficial)
Hot water bottle. (superficial)
Infrared lamp. (deep heating)
Shortwavelength. (deep heating)
Whirlpool bath. (deep heating)
Ultrasound. (deep heating)
Heat therapy wraps. (superficial)
Etc

WHAT IS CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS(NECK PAIN)
Cervical spondylosis is also called cervical osteoarthritis or arthritis of the neck. It is a condition involving changes to the bones, discs, and joints of the neck. These changes are caused by the normal wear-and-tear of the cartilages and tissue of the neck. With age, the discs (cushion of the vertebrae) of the cervical spine gradually break down, lose fluid, and become stiffer.

As a result of the degeneration(drying and shrinking) of discs and other cartilage, spurs or abnormal growths called osteophytes may form on the bones in the neck. These abnormal growths can cause narrowing of the interior of the spinal column or in the openings where spinal nerves exit which thereby result in painful sensations and stiffness in the neck region.
Cervical spondylosis usually occurs in middle-aged and elderly people.

SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS(NECK PAIN)

pain and stiffness in the neck, which increases while standing and sitting
Tingling, numbness and weakness in your arms, hands, legs or feet
Lack of coordination and difficulty walking

CAUSES OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

Dehydrated disks. Disks act like cushions between the vertebrae of your spine preventing bone to bone contact. By the age of 40, most people's spinal disks begin drying out and shrinking due to the wear and tear of cartilage this thereby results in more bone-on-bone contact between the vertebrae resulting in pains

Herniated disks. Age also affects the exterior of your spinal disks. Cracks often appear, leading to bulging (herniated) disks — which sometimes can press on the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Bone spurs. Disk degeneration often results in the spine producing extra amounts of bone in a misguided effort to strengthen the spine. These bone spurs can sometimes pinch the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Stiff ligaments. Ligaments are cords of tissue that connect bone to bone. Spinal ligaments can stiffen with age, making your neck less flexible.

Awkward sitting lying and bending positioning
Stress to muscles of the neck through strenuous job activities

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS (NECK PAIN)
VISIT A THERAPIST( PHYSIOTHERAPIST AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST)

AIM OF THERAPY
To reduce the pains and stiffness at the neck through the use of cold and hot packs and electrotherapy
To improve the range of motions of the neck through exercise
To prevent stiffness and improve mobilization of the neck
To teach patient proper lying positions

METHOD OF THERAPY

Use of heat and ice packs: they help reduce muscle spasm and inflammation by improving and controlling blood circulation.

Use of electrotherapy(TENS) : transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit makes use of electronic vibration to modulate the pain by overriding the signals going to the brain.

Use of ultrasound and neck tractions devicesThis therapy is a form of deep heating in which sound waves penetrate into the soft tissues of the skin. Ultrasound is especially useful in relieving acute episodes of pain and may enhance tissue healing. Neck tractions helps to relieve the pressure at the neck bones and promotes blood circulation

Provision of neck supports for the patient: Support for the neck is crucial to keep the neck steady and facilitate pain relief. A firm neck collar is extremely beneficial during any physical activity or while travelling. When the patient is resting or sitting, the collar should be removed but then too, the neck should be provided support by a neck pillow or a head rest.

Use of static contractions and strengthening exercises: this involves the patient exerting equal amounts of pressure so that static, non-dynamic action takes place in the cervical muscles improving motions to the neck