Heat Therapy

image of a woman in hot tub.

Most people have used heat at one time to sooth normal aches and pains — such as the use of a hot bath, a heating pad or even an old-fashioned water bottle.

Even today, these types of heat therapy play an important role in chiropractic practice to increase circulation and relax the muscles. At the same time, heat therapy can help reduce pain.

Types of Heat Therapy

The types of heat therapy vary, from simple methods such as the use of warm wraps and heating pads to more advanced techniques such as the use of therapeutic ultrasound. All of these, though, are designed to relax muscles and promote healing.

Some of the most common heat therapies used by chiropractors include:

  • Moist heat packs. These are applied over several layers of towels to prevent burning of the skin.
  • Warm whirlpool bath. This technique involves a combination of immersion in heated water and massage from water jets; this may be combined with movements in the water.
  • Paraffin bath. The hands, wrists, elbows, ankles or feet are dipped in paraffin wax to soothe chronic injuries.
  • Fluidotherapy. This method is a dry technique, involving the use of hot air containing cellulose particles that is circulated over the skin.

Benefits of Heat Therapy

Heat has long been used for its healing and soothing benefits. But heat therapy may provide other benefits, such as:

  • Increased blood flow
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Relief from muscle spasms
  • Decreased stiffness in joints
  • Pain relief

Heat therapy can also be used before other healing therapies, including stretching, exercise, massage and physical adjustments. The heat can increase how easily scar tissue or tight joints will move.

How Heat Therapy Works

Some muscle spasms are caused by a lack of blood flow to the tissues. Heat applied to the area can bring more blood to the tissues, along with extra oxygen and glucose needed by the cells.

Heat therapy also reduces inflammation and swelling by speeding up the activity of the cells, lowering the pH inside the cells and stimulating the release of helpful chemicals. These chemicals cause the blood vessels to widen, allowing more blood flow to the injured, inflamed or painful tissues.

Although heat therapy can improve many symptoms, some people may experience negative side effects after treatment. They may experience greater pain, achiness or stiffness. If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your chiropractor, who may suggest other treatments.

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Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Excellent work ethic and bed-side manner. He's not the type to give you heat/stim/roller bed and call it a day. Dr. Chris will really get in there and try to give you immediate relief. His ART techniques in particular are very effective. I highly recommend giving him a try for upper or lower back problems"
    -T.T.
  • "Dr. Chris Tosh is by far the best chiropractor I've seen. I've been to doctors with injuries from running and playing basketball and those doctors would just tell me to stop and give up on those activity without even trying to find a cure or help me out with my injury. Dr. Chris works with you with great care, patience and provide detailed information on the cause and the problem. His A.R.T. (Active Release Therapy) technical works well on many treatments from psoas issues to joint problems. He can also find any imbalance in your body that may have caused issues before running into injuries. This guy is the man to go to for sports related injury. Don't give up on what you're passionate about. Make an appointment and see what he can do for you. - Highly recommended."
    - Kevin C.