Have you noticed how taking a long, warm shower or sipping on a cup of hot coffee or tea, after a long and tiring day can not only lift your spirits, but also often gives a feeling of physical comfort? Wonder how that works? Let’s just call it the healing power of heat.
Several doctors and medical professionals around the globe advocate the usage of heat therapy to treat soreness, stiffness and pain in muscles, joints and tissues. You can enjoy the benefits of heat therapy at home with the best microwavable heating pad from Nature Creation.
What is heat therapy?
Heat therapy, also called thermotherapy, typically involves the external application of heat to any injured or aching body part as a pain-relief treatment. This form of physical therapy uses heat to improve circulation, reduce muscle and joint pain, and promote quick healing. The benefits of heat therapy are many and can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain and injury to overall stress and tension.
Heat therapy can be applied in a variety of ways- the most common technique involves the use of heat packs, hot water bottles, or a herbal heating pad. Saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms are also viable forms of heat therapy. In addition, some forms of physical therapy (like ultrasound and diathermy) are also known to use heat as part of their treatment process.
What is the science behind heat therapy?
Applying external heat on the aching spot causes the blood vessels to dilate, increasing perfusion in and around the affected region, and speeding up the healing process. Heat also stimulates the human body’s sensory receptors, sedates irritating nerve endings, and reduces the sensation of pain.
Heat therapy also enables a quick drop in muscle tension, increasing tissue elasticity and flushing out any undesirable elements. If you are looking to relieve any muscle or joint pain at home, Nature Creation has the best microwavable heating pad for you.
A heating pad or heating belt is basically a cushioned product that is typically wrapped in soft fabric and provides quick relief from the aforementioned types of aches. A microwavable herbal heating pad provides the combined benefit of heat therapy and aromatherapy to reduce inflammation and pain.
How can you benefit from heat therapy?
The use of heating pads on aching body parts is the most popular technique of DIY pain relief. This is because heat therapy is highly effective at reducing muscle and joint pain. The heat helps to relax the muscles, which in turn reduces tension and stiffness. Nature Creation has the best microwavable heating pad for relieving body aches.
It is especially beneficial for those who suffer from conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and chronic back pain. In addition, heat therapy also helps reduce muscle spasms and cramps, making it an effective treatment for milder cases of sclerosis and spinal cord injuries.
Heat therapy can also help in reducing overall stress and tension. Heating up your body aids in muscle relaxation and boosts your mood. The warmth of the heat in a hot shower or sauna can relax the mind and senses, somewhat reducing feelings of anxiety and depression. Additionally, heat therapy is also known to improve sleep quality by promoting a deep and restful sleep at nights.
A herbal heating pad, filled with all-natural ingredients, is best suited for stress relief. It is the ultimate combination of the healing benefits of both heat therapy and aromatherapy. Lavender, for instance, is one of the most popular ingredients in aromatherapy. A lavender-filled heating pad can help promote relaxation, reduce tension and stress.
In addition to these benefits, heat therapy is also used to improve flexibility and range of motion. This is often a go-to practice for athletes and those who engage in regular physical activity. The heat helps to warm up the muscles, making them more pliable and less likely to tear or strain.
Precautionary measures
While heat therapy is a generally safe procedure, certain cases require some precautions to be taken. Here are a few conditions in which heat therapy is best avoided-
- Open wounds or infections: Heat therapy should not be applied to areas of the body that have open wounds as it can increase the risk of infection and delay healing.
- Skin conditions: If a person has some skin problems, such as eczema or psoriasis, then the application of external heat can exacerbate the condition.
- Cardiovascular diseases: The increased blood flow caused as a result of heat therapy can put additional strain on the heart and blood vessels, which can be dangerous for individuals with any heart disease, hypertension, or peripheral artery disease.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women should absolutely avoid any application of heat around their abdominal area, as it can raise the core body temperature, which is harmful for the baby.
- Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes may have decreased circulation, which can make them more susceptible to burns or other injuries from heat therapy.
- Neurological conditions: Individuals with neurological conditions, like multiple sclerosis, have decreased sensation in certain areas of their body. This can make it difficult for them to detect when the heat becomes too hot to handle, increasing the risk of burns. Heat therapy should be done with extreme care in such cases.
Heat therapy with Nature Creation
We offer all-natural, heating pad solutions for effective pain relief. Browse through the myriad of options on the Nature Creation website, and buy the best microwavable heating pad for yourself and your loved ones!