DHO Chapter 23, 9th edition, physical therapy skills

Range-of-motion (ROM)

the full range of movement of a muscle or joint

contracture

tightening or shortening of a muscle

transfer (gait) belt

band of fabric or leather that is placed around a patient’s waist

crutches

artificial supports to assist patients in walking

cane

assistive device providing balance and support while walking

walker

a four-legged device that aids in walking

cryotherapy

use of cold applications for treatment

moist cold

an application that provides cold temperature and is wet against the skin

compress

a folded wet or dry cloth applied firmly to a body part

dry cold

application that provides cold temperature but is dry against the skin

ice bags/collars

special containers filled with ice to provide cold applicationhyp

hypothermia blankets (thermal blankets)

special blanket containing coils filled with a cool fluid

Thermotherapy

use of heat applications for treatment

moist heat

an application that provides warm temperature and is wet against the skin

sitz baths

special baths given to apply warm moist heat to the perineal and rectal area

hydrocollator packs

gel-filled packs that are warmed in a water bath to provide a moist heat application

paraffin wax treatments

heated moisture of paraffin and mineral oil

dry heat

application that provides warm temperature but is dry against the skin

warm-water bags

rubber or plastic devices designed to hold warm water for dry-heat application

thermal blankets

special blankets which contain coils that can be filled with air or fluid to warm or cool a patient’s body

aquathermia pads

temperature-controlled units that circulates warm liquid through a pad to provide dry heat

vasodilation

dilation (increase in diameter) of the blood vessels

vasoconscriction

constriction (decrease in diameter) of the blood vessels