Pain: Heat and cold applications

The application of heat and cold techniques are a great way to help a client alleviate pain and discomfort. In addition to reducing pain, they can reduce muscle spasms, promote healing, improve mobility, and make the client more comfortable.

They may also be used on their own or in conjunction with other pain relieving techniques, depending on the client and their severity of pain.

These include non prescription medications like ibuprofen, prescription medications like narcotics, and physical therapy treatments.

As a nursing assistant, when a client is in pain or discomfort, the first thing you should always do is make sure your clients are in a comfortable position with proper alignment.

Make sure the wheels on the bed are locked and raise the bed in a good working position that’s comfortable for the client, and cover them so that only the treatment area is exposed.

Afterwards, even though there are many methods we can use to help with a client’s pain, oftentimes it will be decided on by the health care team to apply heat and cold to different areas of the body to make the client more comfortable.

In order to apply heat and cold safely, we need to understand the different ways to apply heat and cold and how to do so properly to avoid harm to the client.

However, as a nursing assistant, make sure you follow your facility’s protocol, the instructions provided when the nurse delegated the task to you and ensure the task is on your list of authorized duties before applying heat and cold application.

Furthermore, if you are ever unsure on how to use any of the heat and cold applications, consult a nurse on your team or refer to the manufacturers instructions.

Heat application is typically used for musculoskeletal injuries, such as neck and back pain, to reduce pain and relax muscles.

It also promotes healing by dilating the blood vessels in the area and increasing circulation. Heat can also loosen up stiff joints and may help to reduce swelling.

The first way we can apply heat is through ‘dry heat application.’ This means the type of heating we use does not have water in direct contact with skin. This method can be done using an aquathermia pad, heating pad, or commercial heat pack.

To apply dry heat, you will need the heat pad or pack, including the heating unit and distilled water if using the aquathermia pad; a pillow; and tape.

To apply dry heat application, first prepare the heat pad and check that it is in good condition. There should be no leaks or worn out or frayed cords.

The aquathermia pad has tubes that fill it with distilled water, where heated water flows in the pad and water is returned to the heating unit.

For heat application, expose only the treatment area and place the pad securing it with tape if needed, and turn the device on once properly positioned and secured to the client, refilling the distilled water when needed.

Heating pads and commercial heat packs are applied in the same way but do not require filling with distilled water.

These treatments usually last 15-20 minutes as prescribed, but make sure to check with your nurse.

Heat application can cause a normal amount of warmth and swelling. However, during the treatment, remember to check the treated area every 5 minutes for new or worsening redness, swelling, burns, as well as reports of numbness or pain causing the client discomfort.

If any of these appear, stop the treatment and inform the nurse right away. After treatment is done, turn off the device, remove the heating pad, and inspect the skin.

Help the client get into a comfortable position, reposition the bed, and finally, put away all of the equipment and supplies.

In contrast to dry heat application, ‘moist heat’ application is where water is in direct contact with the skin.

Moist heat penetrates the skin deeper than dry heat and has greater and faster effects than dry heat.

However, caution should be used with moist heat because it has a greater risk of causing new or worsening redness, swelling, and burns compared to dry heat.

It’s crucial you remember to frequently check the treatment area every 5 minutes. There are a few different ways to apply moist heat.

First, hot compress uses a soft pad or cloth soaked in warm water and is applied to the treatment the same way as dry heat applications.