Hydrotherapy and Spa Treatments Flashcards
6 cards from real AMTA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Hydrotherapy and Spa Treatments flashcards as text
The primary physiological effect of applying heat to soft tissue is:
Answer: Vasodilation and increased tissue extensibility
Heat causes vasodilation, increases blood flow, and makes soft tissue more pliable, facilitating stretching and reducing muscle tension.
Cold application (cryotherapy) is MOST indicated in which situation?
Answer: During acute inflammation immediately following injury
Cold reduces acute inflammation, swelling, and pain immediately following injury by causing vasoconstriction and slowing metabolic activity.
A contrast bath alternates hot and cold water primarily to:
Answer: Create a pumping effect that enhances circulation
Alternating hot and cold creates vascular dilation and constriction, acting as a circulatory pump to reduce swelling and promote healing.
The Vichy shower in spa hydrotherapy is BEST described as:
Answer: Multiple water jets applied to the client lying on a wet table
A Vichy shower consists of multiple water jets suspended above a wet table, rinsing the client while they lie horizontally.
Which hydrotherapy application uses steam to open pores and soften tissue?
Answer: Steam cabinet or sauna
Steam cabinets and saunas use moist or dry heat to raise skin temperature, open pores, promote sweating, and soften superficial tissue.
Which of the following is a CONTRAINDICATION for hydrotherapy using hot water immersion?
Answer: Peripheral arterial disease with poor circulation
Hot water immersion can worsen ischemia in clients with peripheral arterial disease, as the demand for blood flow may exceed compromised supply.