Thermal Agents and Their Effects in Rehabilitation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to thermal agents, their mechanisms, and effects in rehabilitation.

Specific Heat

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius.

Conduction

The transfer of heat through direct contact between materials.

Convection

The process of heat transfer through the movement of fluids.

Evaporation

The process of heat loss through the conversion of liquid to vapor.

Cryotherapy

The use of cold applications to treat pain, inflammation, and swelling.

Infrared Radiation (IR)

A type of electromagnetic radiation used for superficial heating.

Thermal Conductivity

The ability of a material to conduct heat.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which decreases blood flow.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels, which increases blood flow.

Cryokinetics

The use of cold therapy during exercise to manage pain and improve mobility.

Ultrasound

A therapeutic modality that uses sound waves to produce deep tissue heating.

Phonophoresis

The use of ultrasound to enhance the delivery of drugs through the skin.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Waves of electromagnetic energy, which can include infrared, ultraviolet, and others.

Minimal Erythemal Dose (MED)

The smallest UV dose producing erythema within 24 hours that disappears within 48 hours.

Pulsed Ultrasound

Ultrasound that is applied in cycles of on and off periods to reduce heat accumulation.

Thermoregulation

The process that allows the body to maintain its core internal temperature.

Diathermy

A therapeutic treatment that uses high-frequency electromagnetic currents to produce heat.

Acoustic Streaming

The steady flow of fluid associated with ultrasound application.

Stable Cavitation

The formation of small gas bubbles in tissue that oscillate without causing damage.

Unstable Cavitation

The rapid expansion and collapse of gas bubbles, potentially causing tissue damage.

Attenuation

The reduction of ultrasound intensity as it passes through tissues.

Tissue Extensibility

The ability of a tissue to stretch without damage.

Erythema

Redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow in the superficial capillaries.

Radiant Heat

Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves, which does not require a medium.

Microwave Diathermy

A type of diathermy that uses microwaves to generate deep tissue heating.

Hydrocortisone

A corticosteroid used in phonophoresis to reduce inflammation.