Physical Therapy with Heat using “Moist Hot Packs”
What is Heat Therapy?
Heat therapy is a form of physical therapy that aims to apply warm, not hot, topical heat to small and large pain areas. It can also be applied to the entire body. Physical therapy using heat or what is known as ” moist hot packs” is used in Al-Hayat Medical Center in Qatar as a type of physical (alternative) therapy in physical therapy clinics, where the physical therapist places moist hot packs in several layers of hot dressings on the affected part of your body which needs therapy for a period of 10 to 15 minutes. Heat improves blood circulation and blood flow. If you suffer from an injury that causes you pain or limited functional movement, heat therapy using hot wet packages or “moist hot packs” is the best way to get rid of these pain and increase muscle elasticity as it gives you a feeling of satisfaction and relaxation. These moist hot packs relieve muscle pain and help relax.
Types of heat therapy:
There are three types of heat therapy:
Moist heat therapy.
Dry heat therapy.
Professional heat therapy.
Cases in which heat therapy is used by moist hot packs:
Heat therapy for arthritis.
Heat therapy for chronic pain.
Heat therapy for joint contracture.
Heat therapy for muscle spasm.
Heat therapy for chronic injuries (requires increased blood flow).
Heat therapy for lower back pain.
Heat therapy for neck pain.
Benefits of heat therapy “moist hot packs”:
Heat therapy relaxes tight muscles, causing relaxation of the tissues.
Heat therapy reduces pain caused by muscle tension or spasms.
Heat therapy causes blood vessels to expand, which increases blood circulation in the region.
Heat therapy increases the blood circulation of your affected body and helps bring in nutrients, oxygen, and cells that help promote healing.
Contraindications of heat therapy:
Despite the numerous benefits of heat therapy “hot packs“, heat should not be used in some medical conditions, including: (open wounds, bruises, trauma, and swelling). The patient shall consult a physician if he suffers from heart disease or high blood pressure, as well as a pregnant woman who must consult a doctor before resorting to heat therapy. It is worth noting that moist heat therapy may cause serious complications when used by people with such health problems (diabetes, dermatitis, vascular disease, venous thrombosis, and sclerosis).