The Basics of Heat Therapy

When used in the right way and at the right time, both hot and cold therapy can relieve pain and speed healing. The key is knowing when to use fire and when to use ice.

Heat therapy may be used on an injury after the swelling and inflammation subside--which is generally after the first 72 hours. Heat therapy is also beneficial for soothing general aches and pains brought on by overexertion.

Applying heat increases the skin temperature, causing blood vessels to dilate and increasing blood flow to the area. The increased blood flow and nutrients help to nourish injured tissues on the mend. Heat also can relieve muscle spasm and pain triggered by loss of blood flow to the area. Finally, heat treatments increase the elasticity of the connective tissue collagen, helping to decrease joint stiffness. Heat therapy is especially helpful in the treatment of torn muscles and tendons, but again, only after the inflammation and swelling have gone down.

To avoid skin burns wrap a towel around the heat pack or use a hot pack holders (back,shoulder, black Velcro and blue double pack holder) before applying it to the injury. A single treatment can last for as long as 20-30 minutes, but as with cold therapy, you should let your comfort levels be your guide as to how long treatment lasts.

You should be aware that hot therapies are not for everyone. They should not be used in the very young and the very old. And if you have impaired blood circulation, hot hypersensitivity, hypertension, and/or diminished or absent sensation, you should avoid hot therapy.

Arthritic patients should be advised by a qualified practitioner. Heat may not be applied to arthritic joints that are swollen.

Gel packs are safer than electric heating pads because the gel packs gradually lose heat and become cooler. With electric heating pads there can be enough exposure to cause skin damage because the pad remains hot until unplugged or turned off.