Treat injuries with heat therapy after the acute injury
stage ends
Dealing with a sprain or strain? Here's what you need to know about
treating your injury with heat therapy.
What is heat therapy?
Superficial heat therapy is a therapeutic treatment in which heat
is applied to the outside of the body. Heat therapy is used to enhance
blood circulation,
relax muscles and relieve pain in the area.
When to apply heat therapy
After an injury first occurs, called the acute injury stage, inflammation
and swelling result. This acute stage lasts from 48 to 72 hours.
In this injury stage, use ice on the injury. Ice constricts blood
vessels, which lessens swelling. Apply ice no more than 20 minutes
at a time, however.
The chronic injury stage begins after swelling decreases, approximately
72 hours after the injury occurs. Pain and stiffness may still be
present. At this point, both ice and heat can be used to assist
in healing. Use ice to control pain and help with swelling. Use
heat to relieve muscle or joint tightness. Apply heat only for 20-minute
intervals. Heat therapy also is helpful before a workout because
heat increases blood flow to the injury and warms up the affected
area.
A warning about heat therapy
Heat therapy should not be used if you have circulation problems,
heat intolerance or lack of sensation in the affected area. Heat
treatments also should not be used if you have heart, lung or kidney
disease. Talk to your physician before using heat therapy.
Over-the-counter heat therapy
You can treat your injury with heat therapy products purchased
over the counter. These products include:
- hot packs
- hot-water bottles
- electrical heating pads
Risks of heat therapy
Heat therapy that uses excessively warm temperatures can lead to
tissue damage, including redness, blisters, burns or reduced blood
circulation. Follow product application directions carefully and
consult with your physician before using any heat therapy product.
Don't apply heat or ice directly to the skin. Packs and water bottles
should be wrapped in a towel before being applied to the skin.
Heat therapy treatments right at your fingertips
For a variety of heat therapy products like foot
warmers, see our product menu at right.
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