THERMOTHERAPY

Thermotherapy is the application of heat for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes through material agents with elevated temperatures, above physiological levels.

Its use dates back to the earliest times of the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians and other antique cultures that used it in the treatment of multiple conditions.

Precisely because of its effectiveness, thermotherapy has continuously been employed until the present day, modifying and improving the forms of delivery of heat.

In order for a thermal agent to be considered hot it must be at a minimum temperature between 34 and 36 º C and the upper limit is set with regard to skin sensitivity and must not exceed 58 º C.

MECHANISM OF ACTION OF THERMOTHERAPY

The application of local thermal bands for the treatment of both localized and generalized adiposity, produce a corporal temperature increase removing body toxins, fluid retention and increasing the cellular metabolism with caloric losses and accumulated fat removal.

It also has a reflex action, as a result of vasomotor changes to the local application, which is reflected in areas distal to the application in the form of hyperemia, which results in an important impact on our body, such as the improvement of cellular nutrition, increased absorption of pathogenic products and has a bactericidal action. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic action.

The temperature variation initiates a thermoregulation and this in turn produces a rise in temperature, a peripheral vasodilatation, sweating, hyperventilation, piloerection (Goose bumps) and thermal radiation.

COSMETIC AND THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS

  • Cosmetics
  • Localized Adiposity
  • Fibro sclerosing edematous paniculopathy (Cellulite)
  • Generalized obesity
  • Relaxation and antistress treatments.
  • Therapeutic
    • Joint and muscle contusions
    • Arthritis and osteoarthritis
    • Sprains
    • Muscle tears
    • Myalgias
    • Pharmacodynamics
    • Increase in body temperature.
    • Generalized vasodilatation.
    • Increased generalized sweating and diuresis.
    • Generalized muscular relaxation.
    • Sedation effect on the nervous system.

CONTRAIDICATIONS

  • In very acute inflammatory processes
  • In hemorrhagic lesions, such as bruising.
  • Where there are circulatory disorders, varicose veins or difficult lymphatic drainage 
  • Alterations in the sensitivity.
  • In children, as they still do not have a proper thermoregulation.
  • Hypotensive people, it is preferable to use heat treatments only in localized areas not too big, or at least only at the inferior part of the body
  • Neoplasias.