Abstract
Heat therapy – also known as thermotherapy or thermal therapy – is the transfer of heat or thermal energy in and out of the human body especially at the joints, using towels, ice packs, wax, hot/warm water, steam, etc within a given temperature range. The objective is the expansion of blood capillaries and increased blood flow to the affected area for healing. The principle is the application of the heat or cold to change the cutaneous, intraarticular or core temperature of soft tissues to improve symptoms of certain conditions. Categories of heat therapy include: diathermia (<41°C), hyperthermia (41°C - 45°C), and thermal ablation (>45°C). Heat therapy is classified on the bases of contact of heat, mode of transfer, type of heat, penetration of heat, and use of heat. Examples include: steam inhalation, hot fomentations, hot foot bath, Seitz bath (hip bath and half-bath), hot and cold contrast bath, and sun therapy. Heat therapy has several benefits in African traditional medicine and has also been used extensively for treating various diseases including: sickle cell disease, primary dysmenorrhea, skeletomuscular pain, trauma, inflammatory and degenerative rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, acute and non-specific chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, cutaneous leishmaniasis, tumours, musculoskeletal injuries, diabetic kidney disease, etc.
Highlights
The application of thermal agents such as heat or cold is popular in clinical and rehabilitative settings
Known as thermotherapy is the use of heat in the treatment of pain and other similar health conditions
Thermotherapy involves applying heat or cold to joints and can be done with packs, towels, wax, etc. It has been defined as the therapeutic application and transfer of thermal energy into or out of the human body resulting in increased tissue temperature [4,5,6]
Summary
The application of thermal agents such as heat or cold is popular in clinical and rehabilitative settings. Heat therapy is the application of heat to the body resulting in increased tissue temperature [2, 3]. Thermotherapy involves applying heat or cold to joints and can be done with packs, towels, wax, etc. It has been defined as the therapeutic application and transfer of thermal energy into or out of the human body resulting in increased tissue temperature [4,5,6]. “Thermo” refers to heat that changes the body temperature therapeutically to produce a hemodynamic effect. Heat works by improving circulation and relaxing muscles; while cold numbs the pain, decrease swelling, constrict blood vessels and block nerve impulses to the joint [7]. African traditional medicine men have been reported to be knowledgeable in application of water, heat and sun therapies [11]
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