Heat treatment
If you suffer from the following conditions please discuss the use of heat treatment with a Health Care Professional before using,
- Heart condition e.g. Angina
- Peripheral vascular disease
- High temperature / acute infection
- Loss of sensation to hot / cold e.g over areas of scar tissue or numb areas or nerve damage
- Skin conditions such as: Dermatitis, eczema, broken skin.
- Previous reaction to using heat
- Poor circulation
- History of cancer or tumour
The use of heat treatment
The use of heat is normally used to increase blood flow / circulation, reduce pain, ease stiffness, warm up muscles before exercise, relax muscles when tense and decrease muscle spasm.
Methods for applying heat
- Hot packs / wheat bags
- Hot water bottle
- Hot bath/shower
- Whirlpool
How to apply safely
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for heating wheat bags / heat packs safely
- Make sure the hot water bottle / wheat pack is wrapped in towelling and has sufficient layers to avoid burns (never use boiling water)
- Check the skin regularly for signs of skin irritation / burns
- Do not go to sleep whilst using heat treatment.
- Leave on for 10 - 15 minutes and then remove.
- Heat treatment may be repeated up to three times a day
- If using hot water in a bowl (for your hand or foot) – the temperature should be between 40 - 45° C