December 20th, 2019 by Becky Calvert

If you suffer from arthritis, period cramps, sciatica, other types of back pain, neck pain or any other aches and pains, you’ve probably been advised to use heat pads to relieve the pain. This is because heat (when applied to a painful area) uses a treatment called heat therapy to try to relieve some of the pain you’re feeling so that it no longer feels as intense and unbearable. To help you understand heat therapy further, we’ve put together this handy guide so you can understand exactly what the heat pad and your body are doing to result in you feeling less pain.

What Can You Use Heat Therapy For?

It’s important to note that heat therapy cannot be used on all types of pain. It’s great for relieving pain that relates to stiffness, soreness, cramps and spasms that are deep within your body’s muscles. With this in mind, heat is the perfect thing to use to help relieve pain caused by stiff and aching muscles (whether you’ve been at the gym and worked a bit too hard or even slept funny during the night) and will help to relieve some of the discomforts you’re feeling. Heat pads are also ideal for period pains, backaches and any other pain that feels like an intense cramp and even intense sore patches on your body.

What Should Heat Therapy Not be Used For?

Some pains are better dealt with by the exact opposite method - ice! If you have a fresh wound, inflammation or bruising, heat should be avoided at all costs. This is because the wound or inflammation needs to have ice applied for any swelling to go down, which is simply not possible whilst using heat. Ice also constricts blood vessels, which is exactly what you need to help reduce bruising as heat can encourage the bruise to grow by creating more internal bleeding.

How Does Heat Therapy Work?

Sometimes heat therapy works so effectively that it can seem like magic! However, there is a science behind why your aching muscles respond well to heat. Firstly, heat improves circulation and blood flow to the area that it’s placed on and in turn, this encourages your body to heal and soothe that area. Heat also relaxes and soothes sore and tight muscles whilst healing any damaged tissue in the process. That’s why heat therapy can completely relieve pain in just 10-15 minutes – perfect for when pain suddenly strikes and you need some instant relief.

Heat Pads – Which one is Best for You?

There are so many heat pads on the market today, from cushions, large pads, pads designed specifically for the back and even foot warmers! However, the one that’s best for you really depends on the type of pain that you’re feeling. Here at Homefront, we sell a variety of heat pads so that all of our customers can find the perfect one for them and feel the most benefit out of the one they choose. Here’s a quick breakdown of the best heat pads for the pain you’re feeling:

Back Pain or PMS Cramps

For these types of pains, we’d highly recommend using a back-heat pad. These are designed to strap securely around your lower back or stomach (depending on which way you wear it) and are comfortable to wear. These will make sure that your whole back or stomach is targeted – helping you to feel the pain relief as quickly as possible!

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is extremely common and can really impact your life if it’s left untreated. We have a specially designed heat pad just for shoulders and this wraps around your neck and shoulder area so that it fits securely and can target the heat on any aching muscles that you may have.

Neck Pain

Sick of having to deal with neck pain? Then a heated cushion is ideal for you! Our heated cushions are luxuriously soft and comfortable so that you can rest your neck on them as you sleep or relax – all whilst feeling the benefits of heat therapy!

Painful Feet

Whether you’re feeling pain in your feet from arthritis or if your feet simply just can’t keep warm in this winter weather, then our heated foot warmers are just what you’re looking for. One size fits all, so you can slot your feet inside to keep them cosy and warm, or to help ease any tension or pain you’re currently feeling.