Thermotherapy Emphasis .............................  $50/1hr   $70/90min   $90/2hrs

Heating modalities result in an increase in molecular vibration and cellular metabolic rate. Your Thermotherapy Massage will have an emphasis on general relaxation and release of muscle spasm using heat packs, heated towels, heating pads, or hot stones. The body reacts with a series of local and systemic effects:

Inflammation/Edema

Heat speeds up the inflammation rate because there is an increase in blood flow and metabolic rate. Phagocytosis is initiated by an increase in leukocytes in the area.

Reducing Muscle Spasm

The muscle spindles are less sensitive to stretching when there is an increase in temperature. When the muscle spindles are less sensitive, this then decreases the spasm present.

Increasing Range of Motion

Heat increases ROM by increasing the collagen extensibility.

Pain Control

The increased circulation caused by heating modalities helps lessen the pain because the "pain-producing" chemicals in the area are in less concentration. Heat also causes a feeling of sedation and a state of analgesia. This feeling is present when the heat is on and dissipates when the heat is taken away.

Indications for heat modalities:

    • Subacute or chronic inflammatory conditions
    • When there is pain at the subacute and chronic levels
    • Chronic muscle spasm
    • When there is decreased ROM
    • Reduction of joint contractures

Contraindications for heat modalities:

    • Acute injuries
    • Circulatory problems
    • Poor thermal circulation
    • Areas of the body that are anesthetic (numb)