Thermal Modalities Cold Worksheet

Define the Law of Grotthus-Draper. Explain how this law comes into effect in the application of thermal

modalities when trying to alter cell metabolism.

The Law of Grotthus-Draper states that the energy being applied must be able to affect the target tissue for the

modality to be effective. This law comes into effect in the application of thermal modalities when trying to alter

cell metabolism because it does not help cell metabolism if the cold does not reach the injured tissue.

List four physiological effects that occur during a cold modality application

Reduction in cell metabolism, vasoconstriction, decreasing nerve conduction, decreasing tissue temperature

Explain temperature gradient. How does temperature gradient affect transmission of energy during the

application of thermal modalities.

The greater the temperature different, the greater the temperature gradient, the more rapid the energy exchange,

and the deep the effects because more energy is transferred

Identify and explain three benefits of using a compression wrap in addition to ice application.

The compression improves contact, compresses the subcutaneous tissues which helps in the exchange of heat.

Tight compression can reduce blood flow keeping the area from being re-warmed, and covering the ice pack also

reduces the amount of heat lost to the surrounding environment

Define secondary cellular death. Explain how the addition of cold may help minimize the effect of

secondary cellular death.

Secondary cellular death occurs after the initial injury, when cells do not receive adequate amounts of oxygen then

need to survive. With the addition of cold this can help minimize the effect of secondary cellular death because it

decreases cellular metabolism.

Explain the proposed theory of cold induced vasodilation (Hunting Response). Does this phenomenon

occur, if it does not, what happens, and does it impact our use of cold modalities?

Hunting Response is the concept of cold induced vasodilation. This does happen but not to this extreme. What

happens with ice application is vasoconstriction following cold application then a little bit of vasodilatation does

occur but the vessel is still less than the initial diameter before applying ice. This does not impact the use of cold

modalities.

dentify two areas of the body (be specific) where there is an increased risk for overcooling nerves due to

the superficial location of those nerves? What are the names of those nerves

The common peroneal nerve on the fibular head and the ulnar nerve on the medial side of the elbow.