Although it is the most commonly used modality, it's effect on wound healing has not been researched. Whirlpool tanks may be either permanent or portable, full body or extremity. The agitation force and direction of the turbulence may be adjusted to protect granulation tissue from trauma. This treatment modality is often administered twice daily for 20 minutes, however, once daily treatment should be considered as an appropriate option. Following whirlpool, the wound and surrounding tissues should be rinsed vigorously with clean water to remove residue from the wound and surrounding tissues.
Higher temperature gives greater blood flow volume.
When using lower temperatures, avoid chilling by maintaining warm room temperature and use only for single limb, not whole body. There remains controversy about the use of antiseptic agents in the whirlpool. Much research indicates that the most commonly used antiseptic agents are harmful to the cells of tissue repair. In addition, they may not be able to reduce the number of bacteria when the bacteria are very numerous. A study by Bohannan found that four times as many bacteria were removed from a venous ulcer when rinsed vigorously with clean tap water than when the wound was only treated in a povodine iodine whirlpool.