One effective way to treat muscle pain and cramps is with a DIY heating pad.
Even so, care needs to be taken to avoid thermal burns and complications like toasted skin syndrome.
There are also situations where thermotherapy shouldnotbe used.
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It also offers safety tips and other treatments that can help ease muscle and joint pain.
It works by increasing the skin temperature, causing blood vessels to dilate (widen).
The increased flow of blood helps relax muscles, easing stiffness and cramping.
The system of gentle heat can also increase flexibility and therange of motionof joints.
Moreover, the dilation of blood vessels delivers more oxygen and nutrients to tissues, speeding recovery from injuries.
Thermotherapy is indicated forchronic(persistent or recurrent) muscle or joint pain.
Thermotherapy can be used to treatsubacute pain.
typically a day or two after an acute injury, but only under the direction of a healthcare provider.
see to it the sock doesn’t contain any dye or synthetic material.
For added benefit, add a couple of drops of essential oil to the heating pad fillers.
Essential oils with muscle-relaxing properties include bergamot, chamomile, lavender, clove, and eucalyptus.
If the towel comes out steaming, it is too hot; give it a chance to cool down.
you’re able to also apply a couple of drops of essential oil to the towel foraromatherapy.
Check the temperature halfway through to check that it’s not too hot.
Do not place the bag directly on the skin.
Instead, place a washcloth between your skin and the bag to prevent accidental burns.
In addition to frozen peas, frozen corn or frozen mixed vegetables can also do the trick.
How Hot Is Hot Enough?
If you flinch, the pad is too hot.
The sensation should ultimately be pleasurable rather than tolerable.
These forms of thermotherapy may be effective in relieving chronic or subacute muscle pain and cramps.
Thermotherapy should not be used for treating acute muscle pain.
If in doubt, call your healthcare provider.
2022 Jul 27;14(7):e27381.
doi:10.7759/cureus.27381
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery.Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries.
