Moist Heat Units
Heat application is commonly used in holistic physical therapy for its effect on pain relief and inflammation. However, heat therapy (or thermotherapy) comes in various forms, including moist heat packs, which can retain a comfortable level of heat. Due to the moisture within the packs, you can simultaneously experience both a hot and cooling sensation. This effectively distributes the heat evenly and cools the skin. Bear in mind that the more heat you apply, the higher the risk of burning the skin.
In many scenarios, moist heat packs prove to be efficient in treating aches and pains compared to other alternatives, such as dry heat therapy. Therefore, to further expound on conventional heating application, we discuss everything you need to know about effective moist heat therapy products.
What Is a Moist Heating Pad?
A moist heating pad is a type of pad which retains heat at the proper temperature within its system via moisture absorption. While their design may be simplistic, their applications are extensive. One key benefit of moist heating pads is that they are easy to use and can be used without assistance.
The moisture absorbent pad’s microplush fibers allow heat to seep through the surface and penetrate the skin. The heat reaches aching muscles, joints, and ligaments, reducing inflammation and soothing soreness. Most heating pads are electric, allowing you to reheat the pad automatically with a switch.
What Is Moist Heat Good for?
Moist heat therapy products, such as heating pads, are good for the skin as they don't use dry heat. Dry heat can lead to dehydration and discomfort of the skin, while moist heat is suitable for patients with sensitive, aging, dry, or irritable skin.
In addition, moist heating packs can increase elasticity and retain moisture within the skin, leaving it looking fresh, smooth, and tight. Moist heat also penetrates the skin deeper and more effectively than dry heat. They are good for speeding up overall recovery and increasing blood flow in the legs, joints, and arms, thus improving mobility and range of motion.
When Should You Use Moist Heat?
Moist heat therapy can be used immediately after experiencing a muscle injury in certain parts of your body. Or you can use them from stiff joints and muscles caused by conditions like osteoarthritis, lupus, scoliosis, or degenerative disc disease.
How Are Moist Heat Pads Applied?
For effective pain management and to mitigate the chances of worsening your condition, it is important to understand how to use a heat pack correctly.
For starters, avoid placing a heated gel pack or pad directly onto your skin. The direct heat from the pack's surface can cause burns. Therefore, make sure that you place a towel or cloth on your skin before placing the heating pack.
You want to avoid starting with the highest heat setting. Instead, you should start at the lowest level and gradually increase. This will effectively work the aching muscles and provide proper pain management.
Avoid sleeping when using a heating pad as you could scald your skin.
Immediately discard heating pads that are broken or have exposed electrical components.
Never use a heating pad on damaged skin or on open wounds.
Benefits of Moist Heat Therapy
Improves Circulation: Moist heat therapy helps increase blood flow in the injured area. It also removes waste from the targeted region. A third benefit is that it helps alleviate redness caused by blood clots, allowing your injured skin to breathe and regain its natural color.
Helps Treat Arthritis and Deep Pain Ailments: Moist heat can penetrate deep tissue and muscles with ease. This gets straight to the source of the pain, offering immediate pain relief. Moist heat therapy is a great treatment option to help alleviate knee and joint osteoarthritis symptoms in adults. Furthermore, it can also treat Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) as a result of rigorous exercise.
Relaxes Tight Muscles: Moist heat therapy can help alleviate sore muscles by restoring their elasticity using heat. The heat stimulates muscle fibers and nerve endings. This can significantly reduce the chances of suffering from muscle pains or aches, allowing your muscles to become more flexible. This is ideal for ensuring maximum athletic performance.
Speeds Up the Healing Process: By increasing the blood flow, impurities and waste products in the injured area are removed and replaced with fresh blood containing vital nutrients, proteins, minerals, and red blood cells to expedite your recovery.
No Side Effects: Moist heat therapy has no side effects and causes no adverse reactions in the body, so if you’re looking to avoid surgery or prescription medications, this is the perfect pain relief option for you.
Whether you're looking for a cost-effective or easy-to-use heat therapy option, we provide essential heating pads to help improve your quality of life with our wide range of effective pain relief moist heat units. Order online at ScripHessco today!