Heat Therapy
Many use heat therapy to treat many things, from inflammation to pulled muscles. It works by improving blood flow and circulation to the affected areas—the increase in temperature results in increased muscle flexibility and reduced pain signals. Beyond relaxing and soothing muscles, it can also be used to heal damaged tissues. The two primary types of this treatment method are moist heat or convection heat and dry heat or conducted heat.
Hot towels or heating pads can relieve the discomfort of small, localized areas of pain, like stomach aches. However, there are cases wherein you mustn’t use heat therapy. For example, areas with bruises, swelling, or open wounds, are some situations where it must never be applied or it could lead to complications. In addition, those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, dermatitis, vascular disorders, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis should also avoid this form of therapy.
Often, using heat as a treatment option yields the best results when applied for a long period, whereas cold therapy should be limited. For minor stiffness and aches, around fifteen to twenty minutes should be enough to relieve them. On the other hand, heat should be applied a bit longer for severe or moderate pain.
