DEFINE – What is Heat Therapy?
Heat therapy refers to the use of heat to relieve pain and improve health and well-being.
BREAKING DOWN – Heat Therapy
Heat therapy may take on the form of a hot water bottle, heat pack, bath, wrap, and many more options. This type of therapy is frequently used in a rehabilitation setting, such as when one is recovering from an injury or managing the pain associated with a chronic condition. For instance, heat therapy has shown to help in arthritic conditions. It can help reduce stiffness in such conditions or injuries, as well as decrease pain. In fact, it’s often used as a main part of a pain management program for individuals with arthritis.
Heat therapy has many other benefits as well. These include alleviating muscle spasms, reducing inflammation, eliminating edema, increasing blood flow, and promoting proper healing. Research further indicates it helps decrease the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, headaches, migraines, and bursitis.
Ideally, the heat pack isn’t applied directly to the skin. Usually, a cloth is placed in between the heat back and the skin. It is further often applied for 10-20 minutes at a time, with 45 minutes in between applications. Typically, a person is advised to use heat therapy 2-3 times a day. If heat therapy involves a bath, these instructions do not apply. Your healthcare provider should provide guidance on how to perform other heat therapy alternatives.
At Athlete’s Choice Massage, our expert team of chiropractors, massage therapists, athletic therapists, osteopaths, nutrition coaches, and more can help you get back to the activities you know and love. Our team may use heat therapy as part of your treatment, depending on your situation and complaint. Ultimately, we want you to get back to feeling your best. Trust our team to get you there. Click BOOK NOW below to schedule your next appointment. Take that first step toward a better life.