All About Heat Therapy
How it Works
Heat therapy for your muscles and joints will allow for your blood vessels enlarge. This will then allow for more circulation to sore muscles and joints which means more relaxation. Heat therapy = relaxed muscles = happy muscles.
When to Use Heat Therapy
Heat therapy can treat several chronic conditions such as arthritis, headaches, tendonitis, and osteoarthritis.
The main effect of heat is the relaxation of muscles. If you feel lower back pain, feel stiff or uncomfortable, or feel soreness in your muscles, you may benefit from heat therapy. Heat therapy works well as an at-home, cost-effective solution to chronic pain.
Types of Heat Therapy
It is important to distinguish the two types of heat therapy: dry and moist. Dry heat is commonly used in the form of an electric heating pad, whereas moist heat would be used in the form of steamed towels or a wet heating pad. While both are very effective solutions for pain, it is argued that moist heat has better penetration to the muscles and eases pain more rapidly.
Depending on your specific circumstances, you may want to test out different heat therapy methods to find the best one for you. Some of these include:
- Electric heating pad
- Heated wax treatments
- Hot water bottle
- Sauna
- Hot bath
*Note: Please be sure to use a barrier between the heat and your skin to avoid burns.
When Heat Therapy Isn't Helping
It is crucial to understand that if you are unsuccessful when using heat therapy, it may be time to schedule a visit. At Fraum, we find the right solution for you based on your specific needs. Contact us to schedule your consultation.
