Why Use Heating Pads?

Heating pads relieve the discomfort caused by pain. They also provide warmth during the cold season. However, people often underestimate the value of this convenient device. This article enumerates and explains the benefits of heating pads.

Generally, heating pads’ benefits are widespread. From basic applications such as providing comfortable warmth to more advanced uses such as thermotherapy—the heating pads are indispensable. Thermotherapy is the application of heat to help reduce joint stiffness, muscle spasms, pain, and inflammation.

Benefits of Using A Heating Pad

There are various types of heating pads available today. Each type is a great investment for maintaining overall health and wellness. Among the specific benefits of these devices are the following:

It improves overall health.

As the heating pad puts pressure on the affected area, it also improves the blood circulation. The heat makes the blood vessels expand. As this happens, the flow of oxygen and dissemination of nutrients throughout the body are improved. This process helps in the healing of the damaged muscles or tissues.

Healthy blood circulation also improves the sleeping pattern. It strengthens the immune system, which protects the body against sicknesses. These overall benefits of heating pads make the user feel happier and healthier.

It relieves stress and pain.

The most popular benefit of heating pads is the relief of stress and pain within a short period of time. How does this device work? It creates pressure on the aching part of the body. The heat emitted by the pad penetrates deep into the muscles. This gives relaxation within minutes that help relieve stress and pain.

Soreness may be caused by over-fatigued muscles or when the muscles have not been exercised in a while. Heat therapy, through the heating pad, can force the muscle to relax and even prevent muscle spasm. Within a few minutes, the sore part experiences a relaxing sensation.

There are several kinds of pain that the heating pads can treat. Heating pads can help ease the pain in the back, neck, shoulder, and legs. It is a safe and instant pain reliever.

It soothes stiffness of the body

The stiffness of a body part is an uncomfortable feeling that is painful and limits a person’s mobility. It may be caused by a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes is the wrong sleeping position. The heating pad can help relieve it by providing a warm, soothing feeling. Combined with light stretching, a heating pad can immediately ease the pain and discomfort.

Heating pads are convenient and inexpensive.

Heating pads come in different sizes, shapes, and weights. Generally, they tend to be soft, comfortable, and lightweight. They come in portable sizes that don’t require much storage space. They can be easily stashed inside bags for convenient travel. With this convenience, there’s no need to worry about pain wherever, whenever.

Some body aches require physical rehabilitation to help manage the pain and bring back the affected area’s normal condition. But with the use of heating pads, there will no longer be a need for expensive therapies. The heating pad is an immediate relief to muscular pain without spending a huge amount of cash.

It helps treat pain associated with serious diseases.

A variety of medical conditions such as spondylolysis, scoliosis, and osteoporosis can cause excruciating pain. It can be extremely uncomfortable for some people. Compared to medications, the heating pad is an inexpensive way to soothe the pain. It can also be used to treat sprains and injuries due to daily activities.

Health Conditions That A Heating Pad Can Alleviate

Heating pads can alleviate pain related to several serious health conditions. However, although they immediately relieve the pain, they do not cure the underlying condition. The following are a few conditions that the heating pad can relieve:

Lower back pain

According to the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (2004), heat therapy relieves lower back pain. It does not cause any side effects. This is why most pharmacological treatments use heating pads in patients who experience this pain.

Arthritis

Heating pads are proven to be effective in alleviating arthritis-related pain. It is an excellent palliative therapy that helps ease serious symptoms and the pain associated with them. It is much better and safer than any oral medications because it doesn’t tend to cause any side effects.

Musculoskeletal injuries and muscle spasms

Tropical heat therapy is proven to be effective and safe for patients who suffer from musculoskeletal injuries and muscle spasms. The right kind of heating pad for such conditions can help increase blood flow and improve the elasticity of connective tissues.

The Different Types of Heating Pads

Aside from shapes and sizes, heating pads also come in various features and options. Some have washable covers while others have power buttons or automatic shut-off features. Whatever feature or design you choose, make sure that the heating pad suits your needs.

The following are the different types of heating pads:

Electric heating pads

The heat emitted by electric heating pads penetrates just below the skin but not deeper than a quarter of an inch. There are basically three heat levels, and the highest one becomes dangerous if put on the skin for too long. Electric heating pads use the household current to heat up.

Infrared heating pads

The infrared waves produced by infrared heating pads reach the deeper part of the skin. It can even penetrate the soft muscle tissues for more effective treatment and relief. These pads are more expensive but more effective than other dry heating pads.

Microwave heating pads

These pads are covered with insulating fabric and filled with buckwheat, wheat, flax seeds, or other kinds of grains. They are heated up inside the microwave. It is an excellent source of warmth and comfort in the cold seasons because its heat doesn’t go deeper than the skin level.

Moist heating pads

The heat of moist heating pads does not penetrate much deeper than the skin level. However, these pads are considered better and more effective than the dry heating pads. They are comfortable on the skin and don’t trigger any irritations. Few layers of fabric are required between the pad and the skin to avoid a burning sensation.

Final Thoughts

The advantages of heating pads are so immense that they can be considered as must-haves in every household and emergency kit. They are generally safe and inexpensive. However, they must still be used with precaution to avoid burns or injuries.