5 methods of using heat for therapy and pain relief

Hot compresses, warm baths, wax candles, infrared lamps, saunas, or steam baths are all heat therapies that use warm temperatures to relieve pain, increase blood circulation, and promote muscle relaxation.

Rehabilitation technician Tran Huu Loc, Day Treatment Unit, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Facility 3 said that thermotherapy is a muscle relaxation technique using warm temperature to reduce pain, increase blood circulation and promote muscle relaxation. Thermotherapy is often used especially in diseases of the musculoskeletal system: pain relief, spasms, stiffness, reduced range of motion, acute and chronic pain.

Here are some common heat therapy methods used in muscle relaxation:

Hot compress

• Use a hot pack, warm towel, or heating pad on the affected muscle.
• Warm temperatures (about 40-45°C) help dilate blood vessels, increase blood circulation and reduce muscle spasms.
• Time: 15-20 minutes/time, 2-3 times/day (if needed).

Use a hot pack on the strained muscle area.

PHOTO: AI

Soak in warm water

• Soak the painful muscle area in warm water (37-40°C) with Epsom salt or relaxing essential oils (such as lavender, chamomile).
• Suitable for full body relaxation or back, legs, arms.

Candle therapy

• Often used for stiff hands and feet or muscle pain.
• Dip the skin area into hot wax (about 50°C) and cover the skin, retaining heat and promoting deep relaxation.

Using infrared light

• Infrared light penetrates deep into muscle tissue, reducing pain and inflammation.
• Use for large muscle areas such as back, shoulders, neck.

Steam bath or sauna

Helps relax the whole body, detoxify and reduce nervous tension.

Notes when applying thermotherapy

According to technician Tran Huu Loc, this method is contraindicated in areas with loss of sensation on the skin, inflammation of the veins, loss of consciousness, malignant tumors, and radiation to the eye area.

Use with caution in case of trauma or acute inflammation, pregnancy, impaired circulation, poor thermoregulation, edema, heart failure, presence of metal in the body, on open wounds.

Besides the benefits, thermotherapy can cause side effects if applied improperly such as skin burns, increased bleeding, fainting, skin and eye damage due to radiation.

Note when using heat therapy: Do not use too hot heat (over 50°C) to avoid skin burns; avoid using heat on acute inflammation (should use cold first); do not apply to people with varicose veins, diabetes or loss of skin sensation. Should combine with massage or muscle stretching to increase effectiveness.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/5-phuong-phap-dung-nhiet-de-tri-lieu-giam-dau-185250917230035975.htm