Treating pain with heat therapy

0
6858

Heat therapy, also called thermotherapy, is the application of heat with the intention of improving the symptoms of certain conditions.[i] For thousands of years—from the ancient Greek and Roman hot baths to the current hot stones massage in spas, heat has been related to relaxation and comfort. Heat is a passive, non-invasive, and non-addictive therapy. The therapeutic effects of heat include increasing the extensibility of collagen tissues, decreasing joint stiffness, reducing pain, relieving muscle spasms, and reducing inflammation.

One type of pain that can be relieved using heat therapy is back pain. According to WebMD, heat is the preferred choice for pain relief in the case of recurring back pain, while a cold ice pack is the better option for fresh injuries, trauma or inflammation-related lower back pain.

Heating pads use dry heat as a form of heat therapy. They have multiple heat settings that can be adjusted based on your level of comfort. The material of heating pads is also soft and flexible to enable it to mould to your body shape. Dry heat eases the inflammation that builds up when the back muscles experience too much stress by drawing out some of the excess fluid from the inflamed tissue.

A heating pad for the back delivers heat to your muscles, which stimulates blood flow to the area. Increased blood flow provides oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissue, while the heat helps them to relax and reduce the pain. Heat makes the soft tissue stretch more easily around the spine, bones, muscle tissue, scar tissue, and supportive and connecting tissues. Heat also removes stiffness and improves flexibility when applied to the affected area.

The kind of heat that your heating pad produces makes a huge difference. Infrared heating pads have the ability to penetrate deep into your muscles. Since the heat permeates deep into your muscle tissues, the relief lasts a lot longer. These back heating pads use natural stones such as amethyst to deliver the infrared rays evenly to your muscles. They also produce negative ions which are a natural anti-depressant that makes you feel relaxed and can help you sleep better. When compared to electric pads, infrared heating pads cause less damage to your skin.

Heating pads for back pain are safe and convenient, compared to taking medicines or having yourself injected with steroids. They are also more economical.

There are different heating pads for back pain available on the market. Look for a good warranty and durability. You do not want heating pads that need to be replaced every two to three months. Heating pads for the back also differ in value so do your research and make sure you get the best value for your money.

LifeMats PRO is one of the best companies offering heating pads for back pain in the market. Their LifeMats PRO heating pads—in small and large sizes—offers all the benefits stated above, yet it comes at a reasonable price and a one-year war

[i] http://www.physio-pedia.com/Thermotherapy