Thermographic: a tool of aid in physical therapy diagnosis - literature review.

Abstract

Introduction: Maintaining body temperature by the human body occurs through the control of the autonomic nervous
system in the cutaneous microcirculation, it is necessary for there to be effective in chemical reactions and consequent
maintenance of homeostasis. The human body exhibits a thermal symmetry. When any asymmetry occurs relating the
contralateral area, there are some evidences of a series of cases, ranging from an inflammatory process to neurovascular
changes. Thermography makes the analysis of the temperature distribution on the surface of the skin, being a tool that
can be used in assessment and diagnosis of such disorders, contributing to the evolution of the treatment of patients
led to physiotherapy services. Objective: To investigate the importance of thermography as an adjunct diagnostic tool
in physical therapy, showing its applicability. Method: This is a literature review using various electronic databases
such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science and SciELO, by crossing the term thermography diagnosis and
therapy. The sample consisted of 8 items. Results: Thermography proved a useful tool in the early diagnosis allowing
the evaluation of local excessive friction prostheses muscle injury, occupational disorders, ischemic areas, and joint
overloads beyond the initiation of an inflammatory process, which still showed no signs and symptoms classic, providing
the physiotherapist take preventative measures and perform rapid and effective intervention. Conclusion: It can be
concluded from the present review that thermography can be used as an excellent diagnostic tool for physical therapy
because it is a non invasive method with no side effects, with good sensitivity and reliability.