March 26th, 2020 by Sarah Miles

If you have any kind of aches or pains, you need to find a way to manage that pain. Medication is good for short term pain but if you prefer to find a non-medicated solution or something to complement your medication then there are alternatives out there.

A heat pad is one such solution.

What is heat therapy?

Heat therapy, also known as thermotherapy, means applying heat directly to the source of pain for relief. Warmth applied directly to a sore area has long been recognised as a great remedy for aches and pains. That’s why going to bed with a hot water bottle helps with tummy pains, and enjoying a hot bath soothes muscles.

How does heat therapy work?

Heat works on pain by dilating the blood vessels, thereby promoting blood flow and circulation. This can encourage muscles to relax as well as help eliminate the build-up of lactic acid after exercise. Heat receptors in our body can block the chemical signals that communicate pain to the brain and better circulation can also aid the healing process.

Using a heat pad to relieve pain

There are a few ways you can apply heat to soothe aches and pains, such as a hot water bottle, an electric blanket, or a heat gel, but a heat pad is a particularly attractive option for the following reasons:

Easy to apply to the source of pain

A heat pad is very easy to apply directly to whatever part of the body you wish to soothe. They have a large surface area so can easily cover a large proportion of your back or stomach and their soft, flexible material can be wrapped around an arm or leg. It’s easier to position than may other options as you can place it on top of your body or comfortably lie on it (not so easy with a hot water bottle!). Items such as an electric blanket can be really good for soothing aches at night but a heat pad is more practical for day time and for focusing the heat specifically on the affected area.

Easy to regulate the temperature

One of the main advantages heat pads have over other heat solution is how controllable the heat is. You can try different heat settings to see which offers the greatest relief and adjust it throughout use (you may find it useful to start out quite warm and then reduce the heat or to build the heat up slowly – whatever works for you). You can also maintain a consistent temperature. A solution like a hot water bottle will start cooling from the moment you fill it.

Safe

A heat pad is completely safe to use and won’t overheat. This means that you don’t have to worry about falling asleep while using it.

Portable

While items such as an electric blanket are only really practical to use in bed, a heat pad can be used anywhere as long as you have access to an electricity socket. That means you can use it while relaxing on the sofa or even at your desk. It’s so light and slim that it can be packed in a suitcase to take on holiday with you.

Soft and soothing

Heat pads are fabricated from a soft material which just adds to their soothing properties and makes them very comforting to snuggle up with.

This is why many people are choosing heat pads as their preferred solution to aches and pains to many alternatives. Whether it’s for the relief of cramps such as menstrual pain, sports-related aches and injuries, or longer-term conditions such as arthritis, heat pads can play a huge role in managing your pain – medication free.