Hot packs are a bang out ofphysical modalityoften used inphysical therapyclinics.
They are applied to your injured body part by your physical therapist (PT).
Benefits of Hot Packs
The heat provided by hot packs has several important benefits.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
This increased circulation can also wash away metabolic waste materials that may be gathered around your injured body site.
Who Benefits From Using Hot Packs?
Patients with certain conditions typically benefit from using hot packs in the physical therapy clinic.
How Is Heat Applied?
That way, you’ll be prepared if you use heat in PT.
Just wait a few minutes and you’ll start feeling the heat penetrate your skin.
Who Should Avoid Using Hot Packs?
There are certain conditions where using moist heat and hot packs should be avoided.
A visit to your physical therapist can help determine if you should be using heat.
How Long Should Heat Be Used?
Heat and hot packs are often applied to your body for 10 to 15 minutes.
Frequent checks should be made to ensure that you are not getting too hot and to avoid skin damage.
If you are getting too warm, you must remove the hot pack from your body.
Using heat multiple times a day is not recommended, as it may damage your skin.
Hot packs are a passive modality where you are required to no nothing.
This puts your overall health in the hands of your physical therapist and not in your control.
If passive treatment continues, it may betime to find a new physical therapist.
Your PT may use modalitieslike hot packsto help augment your physical therapy program.
Using hot packs can feel good and get you on the right track to full functional mobility.
2017;5(4):432435. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2017.123
