Paraffin wax bath therapy, parts, method, techniques of application, indicatiions, Contraindications


 It is an application of molten paraffin wax bath on body parts. Melted wax needs to be maintained at a temperature of 40°-44°c for treatment purposes, to lower down its melting point some impurities are added like liquid paraffin (or) mineral oil, mode of transmission of heat from paraffin to patient skin is by means of conduction, as wax solidifies from its molten state it releases it energy of latent heat& this heat energy is conducted into tissues. 

Parts of paraffin wax:-

stainless steel container, mains, thermostat, thermostat pilot lamp, power pilot lamp, lid, caster. 

Container:-contains wax & paraffin oil

Mains:-function is to switch on (or) off 

Thermostat:-keeps temperature fixed (or) static adjusted by knob

Thermostat pilot lamp:- indicates whether thermostat is on (or) off

Power pilot lamp:-function is to show whether power is on (or) 

Lid:- covers container

Caster:- allows wax bath container to be moved from one place to another

Method of application:-

part to be treated must be cleaned with soap & water, moisture is to be soaked with towel, patient to dip part( in out) of bath untill thick coat of wax sets on skin usually (4-6 immersions), wax gives off heat slowly to retain heat wrap part layer of plastic sheet ( or) greaseproof paper& a towel, treatment is usually about 20 min after this remove towel, inspect the part & place back wax in bath. 

Technique of Application:-

1) Direct pouring method:- molten wax directly poured by mug or utensil , part to be treated & wrapped

2) brushing method:- brush of various sizes is used

3) direct immersion or dipping method:- body part is to be treated in directly immersed into container

4) toweling Or bandaging method:- towel or roll of bandage immersed in wax and then wrapped around body part

Maintenance of machine:- it can be reused for next session, regular cleaning or changing wax is necessary for once in 6 months, steralize wax by heating it 212°F.

Indications:- 

Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, joint stiffness, adhesions, post immobilization stiff, scars on skin etc.., 

Contraindications:- 

open wounds, skin rashes, allergic conditions, impaired skin sensation, defective arterial supply etc.., 

Effects and uses:- 

wax provide superficial heating to tissue s, it increase local  circulation to area, increase the pliability of skin, decrease reduce stiffness & thus pain. 

Thank you

Physioguide by divyaA


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