What Does A Heating Pad Do For Sore Muscles?
Discomfort and pain in our body to any extent is something that none of us like. Thankfully, you don’t really need to head to the ER every time you have something like sore muscles. There are quite a few solutions to it, such as the heating pads. But what does a heating pad do for sore muscles?
How can and does it help?
Heating pads have actually been around for a while, and there are quite a few different types of it. Some are electric, while some have an adhesive that sticks to your body. Regardless of the type you choose, we are sure you are curious about how they work and what their benefits are. So, let’s talk about them in detail.
What is A Heating Pad?
A heating pad is used to treat different pa with heat which helps in managing pain. The localized application of the heat helps the blood vessels to dilate which enhances perfusion to the targeted tissue.
There are different types of heating pads such as chemical ones, electrical pads, and also the ubiquitous hot water bottles.
Other than soothing muscles, heating pads can be used for various other reasons such as when you are feeling cold.
They can also be used to aid in reducing stomach cramps or just in general, when someone is sick. There are most likely numerous other reasons why you can use a heating pad.
What Does A Heating Pad Do for Sore Muscles?
By using a heating pad, it can considerably help in easing muscle and joint pain. The most important aspect of a heating pad is that it can increase the level of blood flow to the affected areas of the body.
The heat from the heating pad can open up the blood vessels which then allow the oxygen and blood to flow much more readily to those sore areas. Additionally, using a heating pad can also help in reducing muscle spasms that help tendons, muscles, and ligaments to relax.
The Benefits of Heat Therapy
Now that you have a basic understanding of how heating pads work. It is time we talk about the numerous benefits they have to offer.
Reduce Pain Quickly
One of the most significant benefits of a heating pad is that it can reduce pain quite quickly. These pads tend to create pressure on the part of the body where the pain occurs.
The heat produced helps this pressure to infiltrate much deeper into the sore muscles. Thus, making you more relaxed within a short time. Certain heating pads also tend to produce moist air that creates a comfortable environment when you use it.
Convenient
Most heating pads are light in weight, quite soft, and comfortable when used. Also, heating pads require very little storage space.
You can carry it along with you in your bag or simply place it in your car’s trunk. That ensures you have yourself covered anytime and anywhere you have sore muscles.
Multiple Uses
People tend to have this misconception that heating pads can be used only on the areas such as the back. However, that’s far from the truth.
Heating pads can be used on any part of the body. It can be your legs, shoulders, knees, feet, and more. They are capable of suiting different parts of the body due to their direct and variable effects.
While heating pads are commonly known for sore muscles, they can be used to treat pain that is associated with a variety of ailments. Heating pads are also an excellent remedy for quite a few medical conditions such as spondylosis, disc herniation, and osteoporosis. Hence, heating pads are also a good option for people who are recovering after injuries, sprains, and general body pains that are caused by regular activities.
Affordable
With a heating pad, you can skip going for therapies and spending tons and tons of money on dealing with the pain. You can get a heating pad from a couple of dollars to a few hundred dollars, and that will help in alleviating the pain for you regularly.
Good for Overall Health
Heating pads, without a doubt, are a brilliant option to help reduce body pains. Also, they are a good option to improve your overall physical and mental health.
Heating pads have the ability to improve sleep patterns as well as your body is not constantly in pain. As it applies pressure on the targeted areas, it can improve the blood circulation which further helps strengthen the immune system as well.
Are There Any Risks Involved?
In most cases, heating pads are quite safe to use and have minimal risks. That said, it is better safe than to be sorry. So, it is essential to note that you do not use a heating pad immediately after you have had an injury since this is the inflammatory phase of healing.
Applying additional heat to that area could result in swelling and even cause tissue injury. In such cases, a cold compress is a better idea.
Heating pads should also not be used by young children or old people. Likewise, people who tend to have heat sensitivity issues should also not use any type of heating pads. This includes people with neuropathy resulting from diabetes or some other types of conditions since they will not feel the burn right away.
Heating pads should be used very carefully by pregnant women. They should avoid the pelvic and abdomen area.
Final Thoughts
Now you know what does a heating pad do for sore muscles. As you can see, the benefits of heating pads are quite a lot. These are available in different types and cost you just a few dollars for the very basic type of heating pad. We highly recommend you buy one for yourself if you continuously suffer from sore muscles and joint pains.