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Hydrocollator Moist Heat Pack Units

Heat is essential for relaxing sore, tense muscles and aiding injury recovery. For these purposes, health professionals from physical therapists and athletic trainers to chiropractors augment their respective bodywork practices with a hydrocollator heating unit. These devices elevate the temperature of multiple moist heat packs at once to efficiently deliver warmth directly to the muscles and other soft tissues in clinical settings. Because water is a better conductor than air, moist heat therapy more accurately targets the treatment area.

Hydrocollators are designed to thoroughly heat reusable clay-filled packs. Once completely heated, the packs provide constant, long-lasting gentle heat. Vitality Medical offers an array of different heating units, from larger capacity, moveable equipment to smaller, stationary desktop models.

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What is a Hydrocollator?

Constructed of stainless steel, a hydrocollator is a stationary or mobile thermostatically controlled liquid heating device. Once bentonite-filled packs are inserted into the water inside, the hydrocollator heats them up to 175°F. From here, the health professional removes the pack to wrap it in multiple towels and apply to the area being treated. The packs themselves draw in the heat to hold their temperature.

Treatment assists with pain management, addressing spasms, improving a patient’s range of motion and loosening tight, contracted muscles before a massage, physical therapy or athletic training session or chiropractic adjustment.

 

How Hydrocollator Heating Units Work

Using a standard hydrocollator heating system involves two steps. First, the hydrocollator packs are heated in a thermostat-controlled water bath that maintains a consistent temperature up to 175° Fahrenheit, depending on the unit. The actual temperature range will depend on the specific model. Once heated, the packs are placed in a terrycloth wrap to be applied to the body.

Because the bentonite clay packs can be kept in the heating unit throughout the day, they are always ready for use. Tabs on the pack coverings make them easier to retrieve safely with tongs. The hot temperatures effectively kill any microorganisms that may be present on the packs after use.

To heat the pack:

  • Each hydrocollator features an insulated design intended to retain heat and prevent burns, and holds a minimum of four packs in various sizes to accommodate different areas of the body.
  • A hydraulic capillary thermostat monitors the water temperature.
  • The bentonite packs hold the desired temperature for up to 30 minutes.
  • The therapist can remove the pack with a set of tongs or via tabs to wrap the pack in three to five layers of towel.
  • Whether applied to the knees, elbow, back or another area of the body, the packs can be left in place for 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Packs can remain in the hydrocollator after application and should not be allowed to dry out.

Make sure to clean the hydrocollator unit every one to two weeks, draining all water to do so.

 

How To Choose the Right Hydrocollator Pack Machine

Hydrocollator heating units come in a variety of types, with the biggest differences being size, transportability and heat pack capacity. In a clinical setting, one primary unit may be used in combination with a smaller, secondary unit to create a steady supply of heated packs.

Some of these heating devices, such as Chattanooga Hydrocollators, are available in stationary, tabletop and mobile models, some with capacity for up to 12 packs. Vitality Medical also offers a variety of smaller stationary units like the Relief Pak 4-Pack Heating Unit. These smaller units are portable and heat up faster than larger devices, allowing the healthcare professional to take the hydrocollator virtually anywhere.

 

Why Do Professionals Use Hydrocollators for Heat Therapy?

  • Water baths feature an adjustable thermostat for custom heat levels.
  • Heated packs provide all-natural pain relief.
  • Heat therapy assists with improving range of motion before treatments.
  • Multipack units ensure that ready-to-use hot packs are always on-hand.
  • Bentonite clay packs radiate consistent heat for up to 30 minutes.
  • Moist heat penetrates deeper into the muscles and joints, reducing pain and improving circulation.
  • Hot temperatures help to inhibit bacterial growth on packs.
  • Treatment with heat packs helps manage arthritis, lower back pain, TMJ, muscle spasms, migraines, repetition and overuse injuries, muscle sprains and strains, tendonitis, bursitis, myofascial pain and lumbo-sacral pain, and are used for both passive and active treatments.
  • Moist heat helps relax the muscles and surrounding nerves better than electrical heat.

 

How Hydrocollator Heating Packs Work

Hydrocollator units use special heating pads that sit in the unit's hot water for extended periods of time. Once the packs are heated, they are wrapped in a cover and applied to strained and sore muscles. These packs contain bentonite clay and provide moist heat. Because bentonite clay is extremely dense, the heat is maintained and radiated at a consistent temperature for up to 30 minutes. Bentonite clay is naturally occurring, safe and nontoxic.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Hydrocollator FAQs

At what temperature are hydrocollators usually set?

Generally, the heated water baths are set at roughly 160° to 170° Fahrenheit.

How long does it take to heat the hydrocollator packs?

The amount of time it takes the unit to come to temperature depends on the model and size of the unit. Some units take as little as three hours, while others take as long as eight hours.

How do hydrocollator bentonite clay packs work?

For the purposes of heat therapy, bentonite clay is extremely dense. This makes it perfect for holding and radiating heat over a long period of time at a steady temperature. Bentonite clay remains at a stable temperature for up to 30 minutes.

How often should the water holding tank be cleaned?

Depending on how hard or soft the water is, the unit may need to be cleaned every week or every two weeks at the minimum. Make sure the unit is always unplugged during cleaning.

Can the hydrocollator heating packs be heated on a stove or microwave?

The hydrocollator heating packs are designed to be heated to between 140 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit in a hot water bath. In addition to heating in a hydrocollator unit, some types of packs, such as Moist Heat Therapy Relief Packs, can also be heated in water in a microwave or on a stovetop. However, be sure to confirm that the pack is indicated for other heating methods before warming it outside of a hydrocollator.

 

Lumbar Hot Pack For Back Pain - Hydrocollator Heating Packs (1:39 minutes)


 

 

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