Aetna considers fluidized therapy medically necessary for the treatment of acute or subacute traumatic or non-traumatic musculoskeletal disorders of the extremities.

Aetna considers fluidized therapy experimental and investigational for all other indications (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome) because of insufficient evidence in the peer-reviewed literature for indications other than the ones listed above.

Notes: Fluidized therapy is considered to be a physical therapy modality subject to the physical therapy guidelines and any applicable plan benefit limits for physical therapy.

Aetna will cover only the professional charges of a physical therapist or other recognized, licensed providers for fluidized therapy and other physical therapy modalities that require direct, one-on-one, patient contact.  Please check benefit plan descriptions.

See also CPB 0174 - Pool Therapy, Aquatic Therapy or Hydrotherapy and CPB 0325 - Physical Therapy Services.

Fluidized therapy (Fluidotherapy®) is a high-intensity heat modality consisting of a dry whirlpool of finely divided solid particles suspended in a heated air stream, the mixture having the properties of a liquid.  Studies comparing its effective heating with that of a paraffin bath and whirlpool have found them to be similar.  The indications for fluidized therapy are similar to paraffin baths and whirlpool.  Use of fluidized therapy dry heat is an acceptable alternative to other heat therapy modalities in reducing pain, edema, and muscle spasm from acute or subacute traumatic or non-traumatic musculoskeletal disorders of the extremities.  Fluidized therapy is contraindicated in patients with local sensory loss or open lesions.

The Work Loss Data Institute's clinical practice guideline on "carpal tunnel syndrome (acute & chronic)" (2011) listed fluidotherapy as one of the interventions/procedures that were considered, but are not currently recommended.