PATIENT BENEFITS
- Increases circulation
- Relaxes muscle tension
- Reduces joint stiffness
- Prepares tissues for rehabilitation and adjustments
HOW DOES IT WORK
Heat is applied to the surface of the skin, which enlarges blood vessels below the surface, relaxing tissues and temporarily relieving painful symptoms. It is an easy way to increase range of motion, flexibility, and speed healing. Heat is only recommended after 48 hours of any new injury or for the relaxation of tissues in people with chronic muscle tension.
I often suggest using an ice pack after the application of heat to people with inflammatory conditions; arthritis, disc herniation’s to limit swelling after the application of heat. Some patients say ” The heat feels good while it is on but then my symptoms are far worse a few hours later.”
