Advice from a physiotherapist on how to use heat therapy
Heat causes the blood vessels to open wide (dilate). This brings more blood into the area to stimulate the cellular healing process of damaged tissues. It has a direct soothing effect and helps to relieve pain and spasm. It can also ease stiffness by making the tissues more supple. Heat has been used for thousands of years to manage painful conditions such as back pain, neck pain, arthritis etc. It is useful and an often under utilised method of therapy by patients with musculoskeletal problems.
Methods of applying heat
- heat pack (often a wheat bag or gel pack)
- hot water bottle
- bath or shower
How does heat help?
- Reduction in pain
- Improves joint stiffness
- Muscle relaxation
- Increased soft tissue flexibility
- Stimulates blood flow
When can you use heat?
Heat stimulates blood flow and current advice is that for an acute soft tissue injury, where microscopic bleeding may have occurred in the tissues, we still suggest ice. Although the use of ice is under debate at present. However heat can be applied to all painful conditions after 72 hours and is often more pleasant, more likely to be used by patients and is sometimes more effective than an ice pack.
Is heat safe to use?
Heat must be applied over an area with good sensation to ensure it is not so hot that it can burn the skin. If excessive heat is applied there is a risk of burns and scalds. A towel should be placed between the heat source and the skin for protection. The skin must be checked at regular intervals. You should see the blood flow causing some redness but it should be pleasant sensation and there should be no pain or blistering.
What about heat rubs?
Ointments and balms are not really hot, but they do have two things in common with heat — they both feel hot, and they both cause superficial capillaries to open up as wide as they can, so it looks heated. All of these products contain a chemical irritant so the heat effect is superficial and does not penetrate the tissues as much as heat therapy. That does not mean they do not have a beneficial neurological effect on pain, but they do not give the physical benefits to the deeper soft tissues that a hot pack can.
Application of heat
- Choose the most appropriate method of delivery for you
- If using a hot water bottle/heat pack ensure there is a barrier (towel) between the skin and the heat source
- Make sure it is pleasant and comfortable
- Apply the heat whilst you are in a relaxed and comfortable position as it should be applied for 10-20 minutes
- Heat can be re-applied frequently as long as the skin is in a good condition and its effect can last a few hours for some
- It is good to combine heat with your physiotherapist’s exercises
If you are unsure that heat is appropriate contact your therapist or healthcare practitioner. For more information call 0131 478 4646.
If your problem persists then give us a call or book an appointment to see one of our physiotherapy team.
Disclaimer: The information we provide is written to help you understand. Should you have any health concerns, you should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional such as a physiotherapist or your GP.
