The application of heat through hyperthermia is widely used in traumatology. Heat is naturally generated within the tissues as a by product of chemical reactions taking place. The most important effect is to produce heat in the desired tissues and therefore stimulate vasodilation.
This vasodilation facilitates the removal of edema and by-products of inflammation, encouraging the supply of repair agents to the damaged tissue. Raising the local temperature in tissues also increases cellular metabolism and boosts cells’ ability to intake nutrients resulting in an analgesic effect. Therefore the patient experiences an increase in pain threshold and a reduction in muscle spasms leading to a reduction in joint stiffness and less fibrous tissues in general.
Hyperthermia is most commonly used in cases of rigid joints and painful post-traumatic injuries.