Hilotherm Cool Therapy
Applying ice to injuries and post-operative sites is a common and effective practice. Research has found that the ideal temperature to reduce pain and swelling is 15 degrees. The Hilotherm system can be used to apply this exact temperature on the tissues continuously for the first 24 -48 hours.
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Cool therapy or cryotherapy is well established for sports injuries and after surgery
After tissue injury there is a release of biochemicals that are mediators of inflammation which make blood vessels dilate and become more leaky. This causes swelling and also sensitises the tissues to pain. Applying cool therapy inhibits the release of the inflammatory mediators and constricts blood vessels making them less leaky. It has been found that temperatures below 15 degrees causes vessels to dilate and reduces the effect of cool therapy. Maintaining the best temperature over long periods is difficult to achieve with ice based strategies. The Hilotherm technology controls the temperature in the most therapeutic range.
Guidelines for Using the Hilotherm Machine
The Hilotherm machine is basically a machine to cool water to a specific temperature. The water is then circulated in small tubes like capillaries around a pad that is applied to the skin over a surgical site. The temperature of the circulating water can be adjusted for comfort. Around the face these special pads are disposable
The machine requires distilled water in its reservoir to work. The reservoir will be topped up as it is given to you by the practice staff. You should not need to top up the water reservoir but if you do, please only use the water provided in the carry bag.
The practice staff will also attach the special pad onto the machine to check it and show you how to apply it, you should not need to detach the pad. If you do it can be reconnected onto the blue tubes with the click fit connector.
For more information on the Hilotherm and Hilotherapy feel free to visit their website:
www.hilotherapy.com
Maximising Recovery
Benefits, Pain Control, and Proper Use of the Hilotherm Machine.
Usage
Medications
Fitting
Agreement To Hire
The use of the machine is an additional cost to the surgery. We will require a credit card in order to hire the machine. A standard rental agreement is for the machine to be returned after 72 hours, or on the next working day following a weekend or public holiday.
If you wish to keep the machine for longer please contact our practice. If the machine is kept longer without contacting our practice then this will incur an additional fee.
Please download and complete the Hilotherm agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best temperature?
15 degrees is ideal but the temperature can be adjusted upwards if this is uncomfortable.
How tight should I pull the straps?
Just enough to hold the pads against the skin without tension. Too much tension can obstruct the circulation of water.
How much should I use it?
We recommend using it as much as possible for the first 24 hours and then as required for the next 24 hours.
Why does the flow of water become obstructed?
This is usually because of kinking of the tubing. Reposition the pad and tubing and restart the machine.
Why does the machine keep alarming during sleep?
This is usually because the patient turns over in sleep and kinks the tubing. If this is problematic the use of the machine may need discontinuing until morning.
Do I have to do anything to the machine when I return it?
Just put the machine back in the carry bag as it is provided, please do not remove the pads. The practice staff will undertake this and prepare it for the next patient.
Troubleshooting
If the machine does not work there are three main causes of this.
Kinked Tubing
If the tubing becomes kinked and obstructs the flow the machine will alarm and state it has obstructed flow. Re-position the tubing and reset the machine.
Lack of Water
If the reservoir is empty remove the cap on the top of the machine and fill it up with the provided distilled water, please do not use tap water.
Electrical Connection
If there is an electrical connection problem check that all the electrical wires are secured and the power is on at the wall.
If problems remain please contact our practice during working hours.
Returning the Machine
Please return the machine in the carry bag during clinic opening hours which are 8.00 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Refer a Patient
If you’re a health professional, to refer a patient please complete our Patient Referral form. To refer yourself (if we advise a Referral form is needed), click on ‘Self-Referral’
Get in touch
Our support staff, specialist Registered nurses and surgeons are here to help. You are very welcome to contact Anglesea OMS if you have questions, or to arrange an Appointment/Referral.