Arthritis pain is a joint inflammation and results in problems like stiffness, pain, swelling in joints and much more. Heat therapy is one effective treatment which stimulates the body’s own healing force. Heat dilates the blood vessel and also stimulates the blood circulation. It also minimizes the muscle spasms. Other than this, heat alters the pain sensation. Different heat therapies are advised like, dry heat therapy and moist heat therapy. In dry heat therapy, devices like heat lamps or heating pads are used, whereas in warm heat therapy heated wash clothes or warm bath is advised. Such treatments are effective for soothing stiff joints and tired muscles. The most common heat therapy which doctor suggest is Therapeutic heat which relaxes the ligaments and tendons and thus increases the flexibility if the body and minimizes the pain.
Heat therapies for arthritis pain
1. Commercial heat patches
How it works?
This is one effective treatment which is commonly used by the doctors on the arthritis patients. You can use it as a heat treatment by microwaving it or store it in freezer and use it as a cold pack.
How to use?
When you want to use it, simply microwave it, and apply it on affected area. Keep it on the area for a minute or so. You will soon notice its effect.
Do’s and don’ts
1. You are advised not to use it on someone who cannot communicate with you, like a baby.
2. Make sure you use it with towel or thick paper.
3. Do not use it directly on the skin.
4. Try it on the smaller area first to make sure that you are not allergic to it.
5. Keep checking the patch on which you are applying the product.
2. Heat packs
How it works?
Heat packs like different bags of rice and dried beans are applied on the affected area. It helps eventually by working on the tired muscles and inflammation.
How to use?
To start with this treatment, you can use multiple bags or dried beans or rice and put it in a pillow case. Heat it in a microwave and keep on checking continuously whether it is hot enough to use. Put some cloves or lavender in the bean so that you get its effectiveness. Then once it becomes warm enough, then start applying on the affected area. It is more effective on shoulder and neck as the weight of the product will help holding it in a place.
Do and don’t
1. Make sure whenever you use it keep on checking your skin. Sometime it might be damaging your skin.
2. Be careful while using it. Do not use plastic material when applying such pack.
3. Make sure you make it hot only till your body can get the temperature.
3. Hot spas or Jaccuzi
How it works?
Many health care experts also advise to apply the heat therapy with the help of Jacuzzis or Hot Tubs. In such hot tubs, jets are attached which direct to the specific areas of the body. This warm water helps in relaxing you at the same time maintains your blood pressure level.
How to use?
To use this product, all you have to do is get the Jacuzzi that comes with a jet which gives warm water. Wait for the water to become hot, and then be in the tub, and relax.
Do and don’t
1. You have to be careful with the water temperature, otherwise it will burn you.
2. If you have problem of blood pressure, make sure you visit a spa under someone’s surveillance.
3. Do not take the treatment more than advised time otherwise it can be risky for you.
4. Therapeutic paraffin mixtures
How it works?
This is one common treatment which many doctors suggest. You will find this treatment being followed in many therapy clinics. The therapy gives instant relief from inflammation and muscle spans at the same time also relaxes you.
How to use?
In this treatment, the clients will have to submerge the hand with fingers spread and then you have to remove immediately to flash dry. Your doctor will apply 5 to 8 layers and wrap to keep the heat in.
Do’s and dont’s
1. Be careful with the heat temperature.
2. Don’t risk for the serious injury by continuing to use
3. Do not use it if oxygen is getting administered.
5. Warm shower
How it works?
According to research made, this treatment is said to be one of the effective heat therapy. Warm shower are effective in relaxing your bones and relieve you from muscle spasm. You are advised to take such shower in morning.
How to use?
In this process, you have to take a warm shower for at least 10 minutes and warm up your body. Later you can also do it with cold shower. The water should be warm only as the patient can stand. Once the shower is done, vigorous dry brushing with a stiff brush is given to the patient, and then rubbed with the coarse towel.
Do’s and dont’s
1. Make sure you take a bath only till the extend you can stand.
2. Do not take it in mid of the day, early morning shower is effective.
3. Make sure you check the water temperature before taking the bath.
If you are planning to take any of the therapy, talk to your doctor about it and know its effects.
