Paraffin Wax Therapy; Types, Methods, Uses/ Indications

Paraffin Wax Therapy; Types, Methods, Uses/ Indications

Paraffin Wax Therapy/Paraffin wax baths or melted paraffin with a small amount of mineral oil (seven parts paraffin, one part mineral oil) are other common forms of superficial thermotherapy. A paraffin bath is another form of conductive heating. Paraffin baths are particularly useful for contractures due to rheumatoid arthritis, burns, and progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Paraffin is usually applied to the hands, arms, and feet. Higher temperature (55° C) is tolerable without danger of burning the tissue when using paraffin as compared to water, (42° C to 45° C) because the specific heat is one-half that of water and solid paraffin forms a protective and insulating coat over the skin. For therapeutic purposes, the paraffin bath is maintained at the melting point of 51.7° C to 54.4° C in an insulated, thermostatically controlled container.

Paraffin Wax Baths

Types/ Methods of Paraffin Wax Therapy

The proportion of mixture wax and paraffin oil –  Seven parts paraffin one part mineral oil

The method of application includes

1. Dipping

  • When performing the dipping method, the hand or foot is placed in the liquid paraffin bath and is withdrawn when a thin layer of warm, solid paraffin forms, becomes adherent, and covers the skin. This procedure is repeated 8 to 10 times until a thick paraffin glove is formed.

2. Immersion

  • When performing the immersion method, initially perform the dipping method to form a protective covering of paraffin. Then immerse extremity for the prescribed time or until the paraffin is melted. Make sure the patient is rested in a relaxed position. Putting padding on the edge of the tank will make the patient more comfortable during the treatment process

3. Brush application or paraffin pack or painting

  • It is the procedures of applying wax by using within certain place of hand and feet

4. Casting or wrapping

  • Especially using a towel, apply hot wax in specific place area

5. Pouring

  • Dipping and immersion methods are more commonly used in the clinical setting.

Procedures at Home Apply of Paraffin Wax Baths

If you’re using a paraffin wax bath, follow the instructions provided with your machine.

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Step 1: Melt the wax

The easiest way to melt paraffin wax at home is to use a double boiler. If you have nail polish on, remove it before starting the process. Wash your hands well and dry them with a lint-free towel.

To melt the wax:

  • Add four pounds of paraffin wax to the top of a double boiler. Add water to the bottom of the boiler and place it on the stove over low heat.
  • Add one cup of mineral oil to the wax.
  • When the wax is completely melted, take the boiler off the stove. Carefully pour the wax into a greased plastic container.
  • Wait for a thin skin to form on the top of the wax.
  • Check the temperature of the wax with a thermometer. The wax is ready to use when it reaches 125°F (51.7°C).

Step 2: Apply the wax

Once the wax is prepared, it’s ready to use. To apply:

  • Massage a few drops of olive oil into the skin of the area you’re going the treat.
  • Dip your entire hand or foot into the wax and leave it in for a few seconds until a layer forms over the area.
  • Wait for the wax to dry. You’ll know it’s dry when the shine has faded. Once dry, put your hand or foot back into the wax, going a little less deep than you did before. This stops warm wax from getting under the previous layers of wax, preventing burns.
  • Repeat this process until you have at least 10 layers of wax on your hand or foot.

Step 3: Bag your hand or foot

  • Once you’ve applied at least 10 layers of wax to your hand or foot, put a large plastic bag over that. Then place it in an oven mitt or wrap it in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Remove the wax

  • After 15 to 20 minutes, remove your hand from the mitt or towel and the plastic bag. Use soft tissue to remove the wax residue from your skin. Apply moisturizer all over your hand. When you’ve completed your treatment, cover the paraffin and store it in a safe place for your next treatment.
  • A paraffin wax treatment has many aesthetic benefits and can also provide relief for people with conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. You can pay for it to be done in a nail salon or spa or you can do it at home, if you have the right equipment.

Indications of Paraffin Wax Therapy

Paraffin Wax Therapy

Paraffin wax may be used to help relieve pain in the hands of people with:

  • Osteoarthritis of hand and feet
  • Rheumatoid arthritis of upper and lower extremities
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Multiple joints pain
  • Morning stiffness
  • Post-burn scar or spasticity
  • Stroke rehabilitation,
  • Planter facilities
  • Metatarsalgia
  • Post-traumatic ankle sprain or strain
  • Other joint mobility issues or immobile joint
  • Post-traumatic fracture stiffness.
  • Trigger finger
  • Steroids induce arthritis
  • Pain and muscle spasm
  • Edema and inflammation.
  • Adhesion formation
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Paresthesia, itching, numbness of hand & feet
  • Mobile thumb  or Texting thumb
  • Dequervain tendinopathy

Benefits of Paraffin Wax Therapy

During three subsequent months three treatment sessions per week were performeds

  • Paraffin was applied for 20 min prior to manual therapy or together with pegboard work [12].
  • Manual Therapy. Mobilization of all joints with the restricted movement was performed over 45 min according to the Kaltenborn technique,
  • Two or three patient can be treated at a time.
  • May be applied which patient of poor or heat tolerance.
  • Use for dry scaly skin after removal of Plaster of Paris following fracture
  • Wax is a self-insulating. After removal of wax, the part cools quickly.
  • After removal of wax, the part cools quickly. This can be carried to the house and may be useful for the chronic sufferers
  • Mobilization of superior and inferior radioulnar joints by applying dorsal and palmar sliding movements of the radius on ulna (to increase supination and pronation of the forearm).
  • Dorsal and palmar sliding mobilization of carpus on the radius and of capitate on lunate, and mobilization of the scaphoid, pisiform and triquetrum (to gain wrist extension and flexion);
  • Radial and ulnar sliding mobilization of carpus respect on the radius (to gain wrist abduction and adduction);
  • Dorsal and palmar sliding mobilization of each metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint (to gain extension and flexion);
  • Use for dry scaly skin after removal of Plaster of Paris following fracture
  • Wax is a self-insulating. After removal of wax, the part cools quickly.
  • After removal of wax, the part cools quickly. This can be carried to the house and may be useful for the chronic sufferers.
  • Radial and ulnar, and dorsal and palmar sliding movements of first metacarpus (to gain flexion-extension and abduction-adduction r.o.m., respectively, of the thumb carpometacarpal joint;
  • To improve thumb mobility, relieving massage was performed as coadjutant therapy in the first dorsal interosseous and adductor pollicis.
  • The remaining time was spent in pegboard work and in the preparation and progressive adjustment of splints.
  • Pegboard. Pegboard work  was used as a mechanotherapy tool in order to shape the joint and tendon adhesions by active sliding tendon postures and passive joint postures.
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References

Paraffin Wax Therapy

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