Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax uses what type of heating?

conduction

indications for paraffin wax

-increase tissue temperature
-pain relief
-increase circulation
-ROM / Stretching / mobility

common conditions paraffin wax is used for

•Arthritis (OA/RA)
•Tendinopathies
•Generalized Joint Stiffness
•Soft Tissue Contractures
•Scleroderma

common locations paraffin wax is used on

-Distal Extremities (hands/feet)
-Sometimes other irregular shaped joints
-Knee/Elbow

contraindications for paraffin wax

•Open Wounds
•Infective Conditions
•Allergic Rashes
•DVT
•Impaired Sensation
•Acute Dermatitis

equipment for paraffin wax treatment

-paraffin wax
-bath
-towel / mitt /cover
-brush
-bag

paraffin wax ratio

6:1 paraffin wax to mineral oil

temperature of wax bath

45-50°C (113-122°F)

patient preparation for paraffin wax bath

•Explain the procedure to patient (what to expect/what not to expect)
•Expose and Inspect area to be treated
•Remove any jewelry or metal
•Check for Contraindications
•Sensation Testing and/or hot/cold test
•Thoroughly wash and dry area to avoid contamination of paraffin

dip-wrap method (paraffin wax)

•With fingers apart, dip hand into paraffin and remove
•Avoid moving fingers
•Avoid touching the edge of the wax bath container
•Wait briefly for layer of paraffin to harden and become opaque
•Redip 6-10 times
•Wrap area in plastic bag and then a towel/mitt/cover
•Elevate Extremity
•Leave paraffin in place for 10-20 minutes or until it cools

dip-immersion method (paraffin wax)

•With fingers apart, dip hand into paraffin and remove
•Avoid moving fingers
•Avoid touching the edge of the wax bath container
•Wait briefly for layer of paraffin to harden and become opaque
•Re-dip the hand and allow the hand to remain in the paraffin for up to 20 minutes, then remove
*Important Notes:
-Temperature should be on the lower end of acceptable range
-Heater should be turned off during treatment so that edges are not hot

paint method (paraffin wax)

•Paint a layer of paraffin onto treatment area with a brush
•Wait for the layer of paraffin to become opaque
•Paint 6-10 layers of paraffin no larger than the original layer
•Cover in plastic and towel/mitt/cover as in Dip-Wrap Method
•Elevate extremity
•Leave paraffin in place for 10-20 minutes or until it cools

after treatment procedure with paraffin wax

•Remove paraffin by carefully peeling it off of the skin
•Inspect treatment area for signs of adverse effects
•Documentation