Treatment
Joint Pain with Moist Heat
 The
Pain Cycle
Joint
pain may be caused by trauma or continual strain. The body
responds to such pain with muscle guarding, an attempt to
immobilize the painful site by tightening the muscles. Muscle
guarding impairs circulation in the affected area. The decrease
in blood supply leads to a decrease in metabolism with an
accumulation of waste products. TENS (transcutaneous electric
nerve stimulator) and moist heat modalities can help break
this pain cycle and aid in the normal healing process.
About
Moist Heat
For
centuries, people have known that heat can relieve pain. We
soak in hot tubs or apply electric heating pads because we know
instinctively that heat will help us feel better.
What exactly does heat do?
•
Heat improves circulation
• Heat improves cell function (metabolism)
• Heat decreases stiffness in tendons
and ligaments
• Heat relaxes the muscles and decreases
muscle spasm
• Heat lessens pain
Medical
professionals explain that heat causes dilation of the blood
vessels in the area being treated. This increase in blood
flow brings fresh blood to the area and takes waste away
from it. The result is that heat eases pain and speeds healing.
About
the Thermophore ® Automatic Moist Heat Pack ™
Electric
hot packs are one of the most popular sources of therapeutic
heat in the home. They come in various sizes to fit the body
part in need of treatment, and they are clean, inexpensive,
and simple to use. In addition to these standard features, the
Thermophore Hot Pack provides two unique benefits: moist
heat and safely.
Moist
heat treatments are more effective than dry heat treatments.
This is because moisture transmits heat better than air. The
outer flannel cover of the Thermophore Hot Pack draws humidity
from the air and retains it. Once the heat is turned on, the
moisture is forced out of the flannel and onto the treated area.
The
"on" switch makes the Thermophore Hot Pack safe. The
switch allows you complete control of the temperature; and should
you fall asleep, your grip on the switch relaxes and the heat
automatically turns off.
Other
Sizes "click link" below:
Thermophore
Standard Size 14" x 27" - Because of its large
size, the Standard can be applied to larger areas of the body,
including the entire spine, both shoulders, and the legs. Versatility
makes this the most popular size.
Thermophore
Medium Size 14" x 14" - Especially useful
for children, or on special parts of the body, such as hands,
feet, shoulders, elbows or knees. In many instances, it is chosen
by people who are smaller in stature and cannot handle the large
size.
Thermophore
Petite Size 4" x 17" - Designed specifically
for use on the neck, throat, sinuses and jaw areas (TMJ).
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