10-15℃ Hilotherm Cool Therapy
Cool Therapy (or Cryotherapy) is a Well-Established Therapy for Sports Injuries and For Recovery After Surgery
After tissue injury, the body releases biochemical substances known as inflammatory mediators. These cause blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable, which can lead to swelling and increased tissue sensitivity.
Applying cool therapy helps inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators and constricts blood vessels, making them less leaky. Research has found that temperatures below 15℃ may cause blood vessels to dilate, reducing the effectiveness of cool therapy.
Maintaining the ideal therapeutic temperature over long periods can be difficult with ice-based methods. Hilotherm technology is designed to control the temperature within a therapeutic range.
How does the Hilotherm Professionell device work?
The Hilotherm machine is basically a machine to cool water to a specific temperature.
The Hilotherm machine cools water to a specific temperature.
The cooled water is then circulated through small capillary-like tubes within a pad, which is applied to the skin over the surgical site. The temperature of the circulating water can be adjusted for comfort. For use around the face, these special pads are disposable.
The machine requires distilled water in its reservoir to operate. The reservoir will be filled by practice staff before the machine is provided to you. You should not need to top up the water reservoir; however, if you do, please only use the distilled water provided in the carry bag.
Practice staff will also attach the special pad to the machine, check that it is working correctly and show you how to apply it. You should not need to detach the pad. If it does become detached, it can be reconnected to the blue tubes using the click-fit connector.
For more information about Hilotherm and Hilotherapy, please visit: www.hilotherapy.com
How Often Should Hilotherm Be Used After Surgery?
Most patients receive the greatest benefit from the machine during the first 48 hours after surgery. After 48 hours, new swelling is generally less likely to occur.
It is safe and beneficial to use the machine continuously during the first 48 hours if desired. The greatest benefit is usually achieved with near-continuous use during the first 24 hours after surgery.
Some patients choose to sleep with the cuff on. However, during sleep, changes in position may cause the tubing to kink and obstruct the water flow, which can cause the machine to alarm. If this interrupts your sleep, you may need to discontinue use overnight and recommence in the morning.
Local Pain Control at the Surgical Site Is Best
Controlling pain and swelling at the surgical site can reduce the need for pain-relief medication. Pain-relief medications can sometimes cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and constipation.
Hilotherm has been shown to significantly reduce the amount of post-operative pain medication that patients need to take. Patients who require less pain medication may recover more comfortably and more quickly.
AGREEMENT TO HIRE
The use of the Hilotherm machine is an additional cost to surgery. We require a credit card to hire the machine.
A standard rental agreement applies. The machine is to be returned on day three after surgery, 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 for longer without contacting our practice, an additional fee may apply.
Please download and complete the Hilotherm Agreement.
FAQs
Some of the common regarding the The Hilotherm machine.
15℃ is ideal, but the temperature can be adjusted upwards if this feels uncomfortable.
The straps should be tightened just enough to hold the pads against the skin without tension. Too much tension can obstruct the circulation of water.
We recommend using it as much as possible during the first 24 hours, and then as required during the following 24 hours.
This is usually caused by kinking of the tubing. Reposition the pad and tubing, then reset the machine.
This is usually because the patient turns over during sleep and kinks the tubing. If this becomes problematic, use of the machine may need to be discontinued until morning.
Please place the machine back into the carry bag as it was provided. Please do not remove the pads. Practice staff will do this and prepare the machine for the next patient.
If the machine does not work, there are three main possible causes:
- Kinked tubing
- Lack of water
- Electrical connection issue
Kinked Tubing
If the tubing becomes kinked and obstructs the flow, the machine will alarm and indicate that the flow is obstructed. Reposition the tubing and reset the machine.
Lack of Water
If the reservoir is empty, remove the cap on top of the machine and fill it with the provided distilled water. Please do not use tap water.
Electrical Connection
If there is an electrical connection problem, check that all electrical wires are secure and that the power is switched on at the wall. If the problem remains, please contact our practice during working hours.
Please return the machine in the carry bag during clinic opening hours, which are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Enquiries and Appointment Requests
Our surgeons treat conditions, defects, injuries and aesthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face.