Essentials Home Healthcare Posture Rehabilitation Respiratory Sports Sprains & Strains

Heating Pad



What is Heat Therapy?

Heat therapy, or the application of heat to any injured or aching body part, is effective at relieving pain and does so more quickly than other forms of treatment.

The most common cause of muscle aches and soreness is an accumulation of lactic acid in a specific body part. Lactic acid is said to accumulate when there is a lack of oxygen and 'good' blood in the affected area. As a result, the muscles in that area ache or become extremely sore, causing pain. Heat application provides relief because it regulates blood flow, pumping more blood to the affected area. This results in the elimination of any accumulated and unwanted lactic acid elements, ultimately reducing or eliminating pain.

What is a Heating Pad?

A heating pad is a pad that is used to warm up parts of the body in order to relieve pain. Localized heat dilates blood vessels in that area, increasing perfusion to the targeted tissue. Heat also stimulates the sensory receptors in the human body, sedates irritating nerve endings, and increases blood flow to the injured area. Heat therapy allows for a rapid reduction in muscle tension while also increasing tissue elasticity and flushing out any undesirable elements.

A heating pad is an excellent source of pain relief for achy backs and necks. Heat can help relieve pain in overworked or strained muscles.

A high-quality heating pad can be the best option when it comes to relieving muscle or joint pain at home. A heating pad or heating belt is essentially a cushioned device wrapped in soft fabric that provides immediate relief from the aforementioned types of aches.

What is the Process of Making a Heating Pad?

Heating pads are typically made of fabric carriers that are held together with insulated resistance wires. Heating pad assemblies include appropriate electrical connections and thermostats encased in protective envelopes, which are frequently waterproof.

The product is then given an external layer of flannel or another appropriate fabric to give it a pleasant appearance and a comfortable surface for easy application to your body to treat a variety of medical conditions.

When Is It Good to Use a Heating Pad?

While heating devices and heating pads are extremely effective in treating a wide range of aches, the following are the most common:

  • Menstrual cramps
  • Muscle pain
  • Muscle injuries
  • Muscle cramps
  • Post-surgery recovery
  • Tissue injuries
  • Aching joints

Benefits of Using Heating Pads or Belts

  • Because of their mobility and durability, heating pads are ideal for use. Because they are small, you can take these heating pads with you wherever you go. 
  • You don't have to wait for an injury to occur – it's best to be prepared with pain relief devices like these at home, especially if you live with a senior. Senior citizens frequently experience pain or stiffness in various parts of their bodies. Equipping them with heating pads allows them to alleviate their pain without having to visit the doctor every time they feel uneasy.

Instructions for Safe Use of Heating Products

Before using any product for the first time, make sure you thoroughly read the instructions and user manuals for directions on how to use, maintain, and store the product.

It is best to use heat therapy or heating products only after the swelling or inflammation has subsided. Because heat can aggravate inflammation, avoid using these products in case of an acute injury.

If you have sensitive skin you should be careful before using any heating pads. If you are still unsure about the heat, you can use it with a soft cloth between your skin and the pad. It is not recommended that you use the heating pad for more than an hour at a time, regardless of the nature or extent of your injury. Depending on the type of injury and the user's comfort, the ideal period of use is generally between 10 and 30 minutes.

How Does a Heating Pad Work?

When you apply a heating pad to your sore muscles and joints, the heat stimulates the sensory receptors in your body, preventing the transmission of various pain signals to your brain, which instantly and effectively relieves your pain.

Heating pads are often comforting to people who suffer from chronic pain because they significantly reduce their pain.

A heating pad relieves muscle tension by gradually improving tissue elasticity, which relaxes painful knots and quickly relieves pain by soothing and sedating pain-irritated nerve endings.

Deep heating increases blood flow to aching areas, bringing plenty of nutrients to your injured areas and flushing out any injured debris, speeding up your healing rate.

By increasing your metabolic rate, the deep heat provided by a heating pad promotes a significantly faster healing rate. Simply put, you have more energy to heal your injury faster.

A heating pad is made of a firm yet soft fabric that is both comfortable and simple to use. You can also shape it to fit your unique body shape. This feature is ideal for areas of your body that are curvy, such as your neck, shoulders, and knees.

How often should you use a heating pad?

Apply heat for up to 20 minutes three times per day. Never sleep with a heating pad. 

Types of Heating Pads

Manufacturers have created a variety of heating pads that are suitable for a variety of situations or purposes.

Electrical, microwaveable, and chemical heating pads are examples of these types. Here are a few of them:

  1. Electrical Heating Pad

While lying down, you can place an electric heating pad on your back or wrap it around an aching shoulder or leg. An electric heating pad is about the size of a piece of paper, and it connects to a cord that you can plug into your wall.

Electric heating pads are by far the most common and widely used type of heating pad on the market. Their outer layer is made of a fire-resistant fabric that houses a coil inside. The electrical current is used to warm up the coil.

Electrical heating pads are available in both dry and moist heat setups. They frequently have user-friendly controls and an auto-shutoff function. Many of these pads now include warranties as well as washable covers.

  1. Chemical Heating Pad

A chemical heating pad is disposable.

A chemical heating pad heats up in a matter of seconds when a tiny metallic piece presses against sodium acetate, causing a chemical reaction that leads to the crystallization process. The majority of these pads will keep you warm for at least a few hours.

The heating pad can be reused by simply immersing it in hot water and allowing it to cool to room temperature. The majority of them are small and can be worn directly on your skin.

  1. Microwavable Heating Pad

A microwavable heating pad is made up of an anti-flammable cloth that is typically filled with grain, gels, or other heat-retaining material. The most common grains are barley, rice, and wheat. Essential oils such as vanilla or lavender are mixed with the grains to make these pads effective and soothing.

Microwavable heating pads combine the benefits of electrical pads with the convenience of disposable patches. It's as simple as popping it in the microwave and heating it to the desired temperature before applying it to the hurting spot. 

  1. Infrared Heating Pad

Infrared heating pads are specifically designed for use with Far Infrared Therapy, which frequently employs specialised and focused carbon fibres to emit infrared rays. These rays safely penetrate your skin's surface to promote blood circulation, which aids in the healing of damaged and aching tissues.

Infrared heating pads are safe because they do not raise blood pressure or cause burns. Because of this, they are common in various medical facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, neo-natal units, and private homes.

These pads differ from other heating pads in that they do not become extremely hot and can be used at much lower temperatures. Because of this, they are ideal for people with sensitive skin.

Different Sizes Of Heating Pads

Heating pads come in a variety of sizes. Small, medium, large, and king sizes are available. Different sizes are appropriate for various situations and parts of the body.

A large heating pad is best suited for treating areas such as your upper or lower back. A large heating pad can also be used to treat abdominal cramps and menstrual cramps. Similarly, if you suffer from lower back pain on a regular basis, an extra large pad will benefit you because it can treat the entire affected area at once.

Smaller heating pads are usually more effective for treating shoulder and neck pain. If you want to target heat on your knee region, small heating pads for knee support are also available.

Different Uses of a Heating Pad

Heating pads are widely regarded as one of the most effective treatments for various types of body aches. Here is a list of the various applications for a heating pad.

  1. Reduces Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common diseases that people experience throughout their lives. The majority of cases of lower back pain are muscle-related, which means that increasing blood flow to the area will provide immediate relief.

It can reduce pain not only in your muscles, but also in your tendons, joints, and ligaments. The heat also aids in the reduction of muscle spasms.

  1. Lowers Headache

A heating pad relieves headaches by producing high temperatures. When your nerve endings are under stress, a high temperature relieves the pain because nerves respond well to temperature fluctuations. Heat helps to relax muscles and reduces inflammation.

  1. Reduces Neck Pain

If your neck pain is caused by overworked or tired muscles, using a heating pad can stimulate sensation in your skin, reducing your neck pain. If your neck muscles become tense as a result of stress and remain tense for an extended period of time, using a heating pad will help your muscles relax.

  1. Lowers Knee And Hip Pain

Knee and hip pain are usually caused by joint problems. When these pains are caused by soft tissue or damaged muscle, using a heating pad helps to reduce sore stiffness and improve flexibility around the injured joint or area.

Manufacturers

Heating pads are manufactured by a variety of companies. Here are a few examples:

1- Flamingo Orthopaedic Heating Pad - for back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain and leg pain

It is both affordable and highly effective. The Flamingo Orthopaedic Heating Belt is easy to use and operate. It also has a high modality, allowing it to be customised based on the needs of the user.

It has temperature control and heating settings that can be adjusted to meet the user's needs, allowing for customization.

Its patented multi-layered insulation technology provides a high level of comfort and heating capabilities.

It is also highly flexible and can be used across any part of the body—not only can it be used for local and specific diseases, but the Flamingo Orthopaedic Heating Belt is also beneficial for menstrual pain.

2- Dr Odin Electric Single Bed Warmer

Dr. Odin's electric heating bed warmer spreads smoothly under your mattress, radiating heat in a way that promotes deep restful sleep. It relieves stress, soreness, and relaxes the body.

Dr. Odin Electric Heating Bed Warmer is made of high-quality materials and has three heat settings to suit your preferences: low, medium, and high. Its Dual Heat Safety and Overheat Protection features set it apart from the competition.

Only 70 watts are used by the warmer. It also turns off automatically after 12 hours, saving you money on your electricity bill. Snuggle in your warm bed at night, knowing you won't have to worry about your wallet the next morning.

3- Sandpuppy Multipurpose Electric Heating Pad

A versatile heating pad with heat settings that can be adjusted. Ideal for back pain relief. Also useful for knee, shoulder, and elbow pain relief.

SandPuppy Heatwrap is made of soft Velcro fabric and is specially designed to fit the back, knee, shoulder, and even the elbow. Simply wrap it around your ache and relax as the soothing comfort of heat relaxes you. This heating pad's adjustable heat levels make it safe, lightweight, and ready to use with instant heating.

How to Wash and keep the Heating Pad clean?

The steps below can help you keep your heating pad clean and extend its life.

  • Unplug your heating pad from the wall and make sure it is turned off before performing any maintenance.
  • Remove the fabric from your heating pad and wash it in lukewarm water on a gentle cycle. It will last longer if you clean it on a regular basis.
  • Keep your product's expiry date in mind and do not use it after that date.
  • Avoid sitting on the heating pad and bending it at sharp angles, as this can cause electrical wires to be damaged.
  • When the pad is not in use, unplug it.
  • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Side-Effects of Using Electric Heating Pads and Blankets in Winter
  • Dangerous for the pregnant woman: Electric heating pads and electric blankets should be avoided by pregnant women.  A pregnant woman may experience problems such as pain and cramps; thus, she uses it to alleviate the same pain. According to a study, pregnant women who use electric heating pads or electric blankets have a direct impact on their child, increasing the risk of miscarriage in women.
  • Addiction to the heating pad: It provides immediate pain relief, especially if you have unbearable pain in your neck, shoulders, legs, or hands. Older people use it more frequently and on a daily basis, so they become used to it. As a result, they do not sleep quickly or remain restless overnight, if they do not use their heating pad.
  • Heating pad damages inner muscles: Electric heating pads can cause muscle damage within your body. When you apply this heating pad to your skin, your inner muscles may rupture,which is known as Muscles Rupture. This occurs when your muscles begin to weaken.
  • Heating pad and blood pressure: People with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, should limit their use. Because placing it in any part of your body for an extended period of time increases the flow of blood in the veins, which can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure.
  • Fire hazard: When placed on the switchboard, some people use heating pads to warm up (which increase the risk of fire). As a result, use it only when it becomes hot and never while working with electricity, otherwise, it is prone to fire.
  •  When using a heating pad, be cautious! Excessive use of a heating pad can be harmful to your health.