Heat therapy

You can choose from several types of heat therapy.

• Microwavable pack. These are cloth bags filled with gel or with grains, such as wheat or rice. You can make a grain-filled pack at home. Put a thin cloth between the hot pack and your skin.
• Disposable heating patch. This is a single-use patch that cannot be reheated. It's made to stick to your skin. If it's too hot, try using it over your clothing.
• Hot water bottle. Fill the bottle about one-half full to keep it flexible. To protect your skin, use a water bottle with a removable cloth cover.
• Heating pad. Avoid falling asleep with an electric heating pad on. To protect your skin, use a heating pad with a cloth cover.
• Steam towel. Soak a towel in water, and wring it out. Place the damp towel in the microwave for about 30 seconds. If the towel feels too hot, let it cool off for a few minutes. Check it again before using.
• Warm bath. You could also try taking a warm shower.
• Paraffin baths. This is made of hot wax and mineral oil melted together. You can dip part of your body, such as your feet or hands, into the wax mixture. Or you can brush it on.
• Infrared lamp. Avoid touching the hot lamp. Use clothing or dry towels to protect areas of your skin that aren't being treated.

Experts disagree about the use of heat after an injury. Some experts:

• Do not recommend using heat because it may increase swelling, especially in the first few hours right after the injury. If you decide to use heat and you notice that the swelling increases, stop using heat and return to cold treatments.
• Think heat speeds healing. Heat applied after an injury may help restore and maintain flexibility.
  • You can use a hot water bottle, a heating pad set on low, or a damp, heated towel.
  • Do not apply heat to an injury sooner than 48 hours after the injury.
  • To avoid burning your skin, do not use anything that feels too warm.
• Think it is best to alternate between heat and cold treatments.

If you have diabetes or have areas of chronic numbness, do not use heat unless your doctor has told you to do so. Lack of feeling in the area could cause a burn.