Moist heating pad how does it work

If you didn't know, thermal heat therapy is very beneficial for treating chronic lower back pain and stiff muscles. Heat therapy products are often used in place of surgery and other pain treatments. However, the pain can actually worsen if used incorrectly. There are many different types of heating pad products such as heating gel packs, thermal heating pads, wraps, heating towels, electric heating pads , ointments, and more.

But when do you know which hot pack to use? Please note that heat should not be used in certain circumstances. For example, if you have dermatitis, deep vein thrombosis, or diabetes, heat should not be used. Make sure to consult with your doctor if you have heart disease or hypertension.

Heat application is also not suitable for open wounds or if you have Peripheral vascular disease, or severe cognitive impairment. Moist heat therapy includes a wet heat source used to soothe and relax sore muscles, joints and ligaments. Hot baths can be especially helpful because the enveloping heat will target both the injured muscles and the ones that may have tensed up to compensate for your injury.

In comparison to dry heat electric heating pads and heat wraps , moist heat can penetrate the skin faster and deeper, getting right to the muscle—the root of your pain. A study comparing the two types of heat therapy showed a greater pain reduction with moist heat in less time than dry heat. Dry heat can provide a more consistent level of heat for a longer period of time. It all depends on the level of pain and your tolerance to heat. Even so, if you use a heating pad on a high setting, remove after 15 to 30 minutes to avoid burns.

You should avoid prolonged exposure since overheating can be dangerous to a fetus. It can lead to neural tube defects or other complications. This is more probable in a hot tub or sauna , but err on the side of caution. Use a heating pad on the lowest setting while pregnant, and only for about 10 to 15 minutes. Since heating pads decrease pain signals and increase circulation, use the pad soon after developing painful flares or stiffness to speed the healing process.

Different heating pads are available for back pain. This includes a standard electric heating pad that offers multiple heat settings. This is helpful for moderate to severe pain since the heat penetrates deeper into the muscles.

When shopping for a heating pad, look for one that has an automatic shut-off feature to prevent overheating and burns, in case you fall asleep on the pad. You can find electric heat pads at your local pharmacy or shop for one online.

Before using a gel pack, place it in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes follow package instructions , and then apply to a sore back. You can also use certain gel packs for cold therapy. You can find heat wraps and gel packs at your local pharmacy or shop for them online.

Heating pads are effective for pain management, but they can be dangerous when used improperly. Here are a few safety tips to avoid injury. For this to work, you need an old cotton sock, regular rice, and a sewing machine, or a needle and thread. Fill the old sock with rice, leaving just enough space at the top of the sock to sew the ends together.

Next, put the sock in the microwave for about 3 to 5 minutes. When you need relief, the quicker the better! I am very impressed with this one! It is the best moist heating pad on Amazon because it works so well and it is so big! Here are more reasons I have been enjoying it:. One of the things I dislike most about heating pads is how stiff they are initially. This heating pad is made from sand, so it is flexible and easy to apply right away. HUGE bonus! Something I immediately loved about this heating pad was how large it was.

Since I need to treat both of my knees, I usually have to plug in two heating pads two cover them. This one is so large, you can cover both knees and wrap underneath them. This means you can also cover your entire back from neck to tailbone.

If you have back issues, this is really helpful. Having the ability to control the temperature is a really great feature. Especially if you prefer something a little warm, not necessarily hot. The timer is another great option. If you use one at night, you can set it to go off after a certain time.

I mentioned above in physical therapy they used to warm wet towels to use on my joints. It was amazing, but also a little bit messy.

Using water can be messy, and it will also hold heat only so long before it cools. So, no mess and no cooling! I will be giving away one of these heating pads on Instagram!! Head over there to watch out for the post later this afternoon Tuesday.