A heating pad is basically a small pad used for heating of particular parts of the human body so as to treat pain. This pad activates heating elements that carry small amounts of heat to the affected area. The heat generated is controlled by a thermostat. Due to its small size, it is portable and thus can be carried to different parts of the house or place where the person suffering from pain likes to stay. The smaller size of heating pads make them easier to use, thus allowing the patient to be more comfortable. Also, localized application of heat triggers the flow of blood to the specific target tissue, improving perfusion to that specific tissue. See page to discover more about heating pad.
Types of heating pads available include hot water, electric, chemical and microwave heated pads. Microwave heaters are easy to use; however, their effects are not permanent, as the effect wears off after regular use. Electrical heating pads are effective but may cause burning if they come into contact with skin. For those who have sensitive skin, microwave heating pads are the best option, as their microwaves do not affect the skin.
Heating pads provide instant relief from the pain and swelling in the affected area. To do so, a heating pad is placed over the painful region. A microwave transducer is attached to the heating pad and microwave energy is emitted by the pad to warm up the surrounding area. This heat energy warms up the blood vessels in the surrounding area, which in turn provides relief to the patient. It has been found that the pain relieving effect lasts as much as three hours after the treatment.
An advantage of using a heating pad is that it is painless and does not need a topical anaesthetic to numb the affected area. However, some of these pads do have side effects, which include redness, itching or swelling at the treated area. Some users of these heating pads report experiencing pain during or after the treatment. This could be due to the warmth of the heating pad affecting the nerves or to the actual heating process, which can leave some people with a tingling sensation. Read more about heating pad on this link.
A heat therapy pad works by stimulating the nerves and increasing blood circulation, which helps to reduce pain and swelling. The increased circulation reduces inflammation, which enables the muscles to heal naturally. Some of these heating pads have an integrated humidifier, which can help to maintain the correct body temperature. This can also relieve the pain caused by inflammation. If your doctor chooses a heating pad that has a humidifier to maintain a proper body temperature, you will have a greater likelihood of enjoying immediate pain relief without any long term side effects.
Heat therapy for muscle pain is one of the most popular treatments used by professional therapists. If you choose this treatment option, be sure to consult with a physician to make sure that you are physically fit to withstand the high levels of heat that the machine produces. If you think that you would be a good candidate for this treatment, ask your doctor about the best models for your specific condition. For more enlightening info about this topic: https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/heat-treatments.