FLUIDOTHERAPY

 Fluidotherapy is a convective modality that delivers dry heat to the

extremities.
 This method of heat application is used in cases where paraffin or
whirlpool application would be appropriate, but fluidotherapy results in
more heat absorption in the tissues.
 Air jets circulate heated cellulose particles that have a lower specific heat
and thermal capacity than water, allowing higher treatment temperatures.
 Fluidotherapy applied at 118°F (47.8°C) increases the temperature of the
joint capsule by 16.2°F (9°C) and superficial muscle by 9.5°F (5.3°C).
 The patient inserts the body part into the unit through one of the portals
located on the machine.
 The clinician’s hands can also be inserted into the unit to assist with ROM
exercises or perform joint mobilization techniques.
EFFECTS ON---The Injury Response Process:

 The effect and sensation of fluidotherapy is similar to that of a whirlpool,

but without the benefits of buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure.
 The cellulose medium provides resistance to active exercise.
 Increasing the amount of airflow decreases resistance and vice versa.
 The effects of fluidotherapy on the injury response cycle are the same as
heat treatments in general.
 An advantage of fluidotherapy is the ability to place the limb in the
nongravity-dependent position, reducing the formation of edema.
Temperature Range:

 110°F to 125°F (43.3°C to 51.6°C)

Treatment Duration:

 Fluidotherapy treatments are given for 20 minutes and can be repeated

multiple times per day.
Indications
 Pain reduction
 Prior to or during joint mobilization
 ROM exercises combined with heat therapy
 Nonrheumatoid arthritis
Contraindications
 Uncovered open wounds
 Sensory loss
 Peripheral vascular disease
 Over cancerous lesions
 General medical conditions that reduce the patient’s tolerance to heat
Precautions
 Cover open wounds prior to treatment.
 Patients who are sensitive to allergic reactions caused by dust and pollen.
Instrumentation
Air Speed:
 The rate at which the medium is moved through the unit is expressed as a
percentage of the total force (0 to 100).
 The default setting is 50. Lower force increases the viscosity of the
mixture, providing more resistance to joint motion.
Preheat Timer:

 Used for preheating the transmitting medium.

 Some units are programmable, allowing the unit to automatically preheat
at the start of a workday.
Pulse Time:

 Pulses interrupt the flow of the medium by starting and stopping the air
stream.
 Pulses range from 1 (1 sec on/1 sec off) to 6 (6 on/6 off).
 Setting the pulse time to OFF provides a constant flow.
Treatment Temperature:
Sets the treatment temperature from 88°F to 130°F (31.1°C to 54°C).
Patient Preparation
 Ensure that the patient is free of contraindications for this treatment
technique.
  During the patient preparation period, preheat the fluidotherapy unit. If the
unit is so equipped, close the heat flaps to speed preheating. Following the
preheating, reopen the flaps.
 Remove jewellery from the body part being treated.
 Wash and dry the patient’s extremity using an antimicrobial soap and then
apply a hospital grade antiseptic skin cleanser.
 To prevent the medium from entering open wounds, cover skin lesions
with a non permeable membrane such as a plastic bag, rubber gloves, or
surgical skin dressing.
Initiating the Treatment
 Turn the unit off.
 Ensure that the unit contains a proper amount of the medium.
 Secure all non used entry portals prior to turning the unit on.
 Select the portal appropriate for the treatment and body part. Have the
patient fully insert the body part into the unit.
 Securely fasten the appliance proximally on the body part.
 Set thermostat to the desired temperature, usually between 100°F and
123°F (37.8°C and 50.6°C).
 Set the treatment duration.
 If indicated, instruct the patient to perform the appropriate ROM
exercises.
Terminating the Treatment
 Turn the unit OFF before removing the extremity being treated.
 Loosen the appliance from the patient’s extremity.
 Before removing the body part from the tank, remove any particles that
may have adhered to the patient.
 Re-secure the entry portal used by the patient.