Paraffin Baths

A superficial thermal modality using paraffin wax and mineral oil. Paraffin is a means of delivering heat, especially to areas that are difficult to heat with anything but a liquid medium, i.e. hands and feet. The effects of paraffin are: increase of local metabolism, increased local perspiration, promotion of muscle relaxation, sedation of sensory nerve endings reducing pain and softening of the skin. Paraffin bath can be used for subacute, chronic traumatic, and inflammatory conditions. All jewelry is removed prior to treatment. The area to be treated is washed and examined for temperature sensation and skin integrity then the patient dips the extremity into the paraffin. During the treatment, layers of paraffin build up on the area being treated and the paraffin is allowed to harden. At the conclusion of the treatment, the paraffin is pealed off and the therapist may do massage or have the patient do stretching exercises to the area that was treated.