A hydrocollator is a therapeutic device used to provide moist heat treatment through specially designed heat packs. It is commonly used by physical therapists, athletic trainers, and healthcare practitioners in clinics, rehab centers, and sports facilities.
How It Works:
Whether stationary or mobile, a hydrocollator uses an immersion heating tank to raise water to therapeutic temperatures of around 160°F (71°C). A hydraulic capillary thermostat maintains consistent heating, while the stainless steel, insulated tank ensures durability and safety. Hydrocollator tanks typically hold at least four packs, so a heated pack is always ready for patient use.
The heat packs are made of bentonite, a mineral that retains heat for up to 30 minutes. Packs come in various sizes to wrap around the neck, shoulders, knees, elbows, or smaller joints. Packs are removed with tongs, drained to prevent scalding, and wrapped in three to five layers of towels or a cover before application. Treatment typically lasts 15–30 minutes.
New packs require at least 20 minutes of soaking before use and should remain stored in the hydrocollator after treatment. Never allow packs to dry out or heat them in a microwave due to their mineral content. Hydrocollators should be drained and cleaned every two weeks to maintain hygiene.
When Hydrocollators Are Used:
Hydrocollators are used to deliver moist heat to deep muscles and joints, promoting pain relief, reducing stiffness, and improving circulation. Conditions that benefit include arthritis, lower back pain, TMJ, neck spasms, migraines, chronic overuse injuries, and myofascial pain in children. Heat packs are often applied prior to physical therapy to maximize passive and active motion during exercises. The effects can last up to an hour post-treatment.
Precautions:
Moist heat packs are not recommended during the acute phase of an injury, for patients with impaired temperature sensation (e.g., diabetic neuropathy), circulation issues (e.g., DVT), infections, or malignant tumors.
Where Hydrocollators Are Used:
These devices are utilized by sports trainers, kinesiologists, physical therapists, and other healthcare practitioners in physical therapy clinics, rehab centers, athletic training facilities, and chiropractic offices.
