thermotherapy /-ther′əpē/ [Gk, thermē + therapeia, treatment] , the treatment of disease by the application of heat. Thermotherapy may be administered as dry heat with heat lamps, diathermy machines, electric pads, or hot water bottles or as moist heat with warm compresses or immersion in warm water. Warm soaks or compresses may be used to treat local infections, relax muscles and relieve pain in patients with motor problems, and promote circulation in peripheral vascular disorders such as thrombophlebitis. −thermotherapeutic, adj.
