Heat therapy is an excellent thing that can be used individually for numerous complaints. If we have a stomach ache, we put a hot water bottle on our stomach - the soothing warmth often works wonders. It takes away the pain, relieves the cramps, promotes blood circulation, relaxes the body and mind at the same time. The positive effects of this application achieve a general healing promotion. Heat therapy is one of the oldest and most recognized therapies and has been known since the beginning of written traditions.
What exactly is heat therapy
Heat therapy is about achieving certain positive effects on the body through increased temperature. Normally, heat therapy is applied locally, i.e. on a certain part of the body such as muscles, tendons, joints , but also on various organs. A wide variety of products can be used here, and the range of heat therapy products offered is extensive. It ranges from heat gels and heat ointments to heat plasters, hot water bottles, but also mud packs, heat and infrared lamps belong to the wide spectrum of heat therapy devices. Depending on the individual preferences of the user and the type of treatment, the appropriate product can be selected here.
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What does heat therapy do?
The local application of heat to a specific area of the body causes the blood vessels to dilate , stimulating blood flow to the affected area. The heat also has a relaxing effect on the muscles, cramps can be released, pain can thus be relieved. In addition, the heat triggers a series of nerve impulses that stimulate further bodily processes and, among other things, trigger an irritation-dampening effect on pain receptors. Metabolism is stimulated, making it easier to remove waste products from the affected area.
When the entire body is heated, this is referred to as hyperthermia. The use of hyperthermia for therapeutic purposes can also have various purposes and great benefits, but this specific, non-local application is not counted as heat therapy.
What are the applications of heat therapy?
There are many different media and forms of application for heat therapy for a wide variety of treatment purposes.
- Peloids - Peloids include, for example, healing earth, mud, marl, sand, clay, loess and fango. They are usually applied as packs to the corresponding areas of the body and develop their beneficial effects at temperatures between 43 and 45°C with an exposure time of approx. 30 to 45 minutes.
- Packs and compresses - these include, among others, hay bags, potato skin packs, linseed bags or mustard flour packs. The application is also carried out by placing the heated pack or compress on the affected area.
- Heat radiation - infrared therapy (infrared A), high frequency therapy, short wave therapy, microwave therapy also have a warming effect and are used for local heat therapy.
- Ointments and plasters - Various substances also have a warming, circulation-promoting effect, with the help of ointments or heat plasters, these substances can be effectively used to apply the beneficial heat effect in a limited and localized manner
What are the advantages of heat therapy?
- Heat can be applied individually
- The application is very simple
- It can also be performed at home
- Brings quick help and relief
How does heat therapy with fango and peat work?
Heat therapy with mud or mud packs is often offered in physiotherapy practices. These applications loosen tense muscles in an ideal way. The heat and the minerals it contains penetrate deep into the tissues and begin to work there. Moreover, they are very well absorbed by the human body. The heat therapy stimulates blood circulation and ensures that waste products are better removed. Fango should be applied for about 45 minutes. Ideally, the treatment should be left to take effect for 30 minutes.
What are the risks of heat therapy?
Heat therapy is a wonderful thing, but it is not always recommended for everyone. If there is an infection or circulatory problems , then the therapy is not recommended. Diabetics must be very careful when using heat therapy, because in these people the sensation of pain is reduced and therefore it can cause nasty burns. Side effects such as headache, dizziness and nausea may also occur during the application.
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Editors fitnessmarkt.de (EA)
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Published on: 24 March 2015