PWB

Introduction
Paraffin wax bath therapy is an application
of the molten paraffin wax on the body
part. The temperature of the paraffin wax
is maintained at 40-44c, where as its
melting point is 51-55c.
If the molten wax at 51-55c is poured on
the body part, it may cause burn over the
body tissue, which is why some impurity is
added to lower down its melting point such
as liquid paraffin or mineral oil.
 The combination of the paraffin and
the mineral oil has low specific heat
which enhances the patients ability
to tolerate heat from the paraffin
better than from the water of the
same temperature.
The composition of the wax: paraffin:
petroleum jelly is 7:3:1 or wax:
paraffin: or mineral oil is 7:1.
 The mode of the transmission of heat
from paraffin to the patient skin is by
means conduction.
 Paraffin Bath unit
Parts of a typical paraffin wax bath
unit are container, mains,
thermostat, lid, and caster.
 Container is made-up of enameled baths or
stainless steel bowl and outer fiberglass shell. It
contains wax and paraffin oil. Main function is
to switch on or off the heating element, which
is located in the casing of paraffin wax bath
unit.
Thermostat keeps the temperature fix or static
in the range which is adjusted with knob
thermostat pilots lamp indicates whether
thermostat is on or off.
Power pilots lamp function is to show whether
power is on or off.
Lid :covers container
Caster: allow the paraffin wax bath container to
be moved from 1 place to another.
 Preparation of patient:
The nature of wax treatment is explained and the area
to be treated is inspected for contraindication. Look
for any wound, skin infection, rashes etc. on the part
to be treated.
Clean the skin using tissue paper or cotton.
Tell the patient in brief about temperature of the wax
and benefits
Drip down few drops of molten wax on the dorsal
surface of your hand to check the temperature.
This is done before; the patient so that he/she can
prepare psychologically and fear of heat is minimized.
After the above step the patient is always found to
cooperate and fear of molten wax and heat is remove
from the mind.
 Methods:
The part to be treated must be cleaned by
soap and moisture to be soaked by towel.
Position of the patient should be such that
the part to be treated comes closer to the
wax bath container.
Before application one must ensure that
there should be no moisture on the body
tissues otherwise burn could occur.
The warm wax is placed on the body
tissues by various techniques and the
treatment is given for about 10-20
minutes.
1. Direct pouring method:
The molten Wax is directly poured
by a mug or utensil on the part to be
treated and then wrapped around by
a towel.
The wax is allowed to solidify for
about 10-20 sec.
Several (4-6) layers can be made
over the body tissues.
2. Brushing method:
It is a commonly used method of
paraffin wax application.
in this method, 8-10 coats of wax are
applied to the area with a paint brush
using even and rapid strokes
The area is then wrapped with towel
for 10-20 minutes and after this time,
paraffin wax is removed and
discarded.
3. Immersion method:
This method of application provides some what
vigorous heating.
The body part to be treated dipped 3-4 times to
form a thin coat and then left immersed in paraffin
wax for 20-30 minutes
A thin glove of solid paraffin wax formed slows the
heat conduction
Use of immersion method required co-operation
and tolerance by the patient in a dependent
position
Care should be taken to ensure that the patient is
in comfortable position during the treatment
With immersion method, the temperature
elevation of body tissue is 2c higher then dipping
method
4. Dipping method:
It provides mild heating. The patient should wash and dry
the part to be treated.
The therapists instruct the patient to dip the body part in a
bath and then removed it until the paraffin solidifies and
thin layer of adherent solid paraffin is formed which covers
the skin.
Dipping is repeated until a thick coat is formed. In other
words, at least 8-12 times until thick glow on a part.
Once thick glow of wax is formed the treated area should be
wrapped 1st in a plastic and then wrapped with a towel.
If edema is concerned then area may be elevated. The
effective duration of this treatment is 10-15 minutes.
At the end of this treatment time the glow of solid of peeled
off or removed by slipping the finger beneath the glow and
sliding the wax off and into the plastic sack, which cover it
during the treatment
The sack is then discarded or the wax is emptied in the bath
unit.
5. Toweling or bandaging method:
A towel or a roll of bandage is immersed in
molten paraffin wax and then wrapped
around the body part.
Several layers can be made over the body
part.
This method is preferably used for treating
proximal parts of the body.
Once the treatment is given by paraffin
wax, it can be reused for the next session.
Regular cleaning or changing of the wax is
necessary to ensure good hygiene.
 Indications
1. Pain and Muscle Spasm: Wax reduces the pain and
muscle spasm seen in hands and feet, as the moist
heat encircles each finger and toe, and relieves
pain.
2. Edema and Inflammation: The gentle heat reduces
post-traumatic swelling of the hands and feet and
also swelling in hands affected by rheumatoid
arthritis or degenerative joint disease, particularly
in the sub-acute and early chronic stages of
inflammation.
3. Adhesions and Scars: Wax softens the adhesion
and scar in the skin and thus facilitates the
mobilization and stretching procedures.
 Advantages of Paraffin wax
1. Low specific heat allows for application at a higher
temperature than water without the risk of a burn.
2. Low thermal conductivity allows for heating of tissues
to occur more slowly, thus reducing the risk of
overheating the tissues.
3. Molten state allows for even distribution of heat to
areas like finger and toes.
4. First dip traps air and moisture to create more even
heat distribution.
5. Oils used in the wax add moisture to the skin.
6.Wax remains malleable, after removal, allowing for use
as an exercise tools.
7. Comfortable, moist heat.
8. Relative inexpensive.
 Contra-indications
Impaired skin sensation: (hot/cold
skin test)
Dermatological conditions are
exacerbated by moist heat, such as
eczema, athletes foot and
dermatitis. Any dermatological
reaction which appears after
treatment, must be reported.
 Lack of comprehension: patients who
cannot understand the nature of the
treatment and comprehend the potential
danger, for example, children, very old
patients, other nationalities.
Infections and open wounds: Heat will
increase the infective activity.
Circulatory Dysfunction: Patients with
varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis and
arterial disease must not have any heat
applied directly over the affected part.
Thank You