Fluidotherapy
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WHAT IS FLUIDOTHERAPY?
Fluidotherapy or dry heat therapy is a dry heat modality that transfers energy by forced convection. Forced convection is defined as the process of heat transfer through forced movements of heated air and cellulose particles in the chamber of the machine, which together are circulated around the body part being treated. The solid particles become suspended when air is forced through them.
The properties of fluidotherapy are similar to a whirlpool without water or a dry whirlpool. The temperature and agitation can be adjusted for patient tolerance. The operating temperature is between 100 – 125 degrees however may be lowered to room temperature. Treatment times are between 15 – 30 minutes.
Varying degrees of agitation can be used for the desensitization of hypersensitive areas. Patients are able to move the body part through the particles and are able to perform exercises while in fluidotherapy.
Fluidtherapy treatment for an arm injury.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FLUIDOTHERAPY?
Fluidotherapy can assist in:
- Reduction of inflammation and pain
- Reduction of joint stiffness
- Increasing in range of motion
- Alleviating muscle spasm
- Improving tissue healing
- Increasing blood flow and nutrients to the area
The diagnosis could be acute to a sub-acute and traumatic or non-traumatic musculoskeletal disorder of the extremity.
Fluidotherapy is similar to paraffin baths, whirlpools, and moist heat packs and is an acceptable alternative to these other heat therapy modalities. The application of heat is used for the purpose of changing the skin and core temperature of the soft tissue with the goal of improving the symptoms of certain conditions.
The dry environment of fluidotherapy makes it more resistant to bacterial growth.
By increasing tissue elasticity, heat reduces your resting muscle tension and helps relax painful knots. It can soothe painful, irritating nerve endings. It increases the healing rate by stimulating your natural metabolic rate.
WHAT DOES FLUIDOTHERAPY TREAT?
Fluidotherapy can be used to treat a variety of diagnoses. It can treat conditions involving your:
- Elbow
- Wrist
- Hand
- Ankle
- Foot
Diagnoses include
- sprains/strains
- pain and stiffness following a fracture or dislocation
- arthritis
- swelling
- hypersensitivity following an injury or surgical scar
WHERE CAN I GET FLUIDOTHERAPY TREATMENT?
Fluidotherapy is widely found at Orthopedic and hospital rehabilitation facilities or Hand Therapy departments. Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute Rehabilitation offers fluidotherapy as a modality with therapy treatments in their 12 Rehabilitation centers. Fluidotherapy is a favorite among patients!
Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!
JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.
New to JOI, you can now schedule your follow up appointments and cancel appointments on the JOI Portal.
To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.