The Electric Heating Pad

The electric heating pad is a great convenience to people who do not wish to bother with the mess and inconvenience of using a hot water bottle or a moist heating pad. There are many reasons that someone may wish to apply heat to areas of the body. Some of these reasons could be menstrual cramps, sore muscles, or even sleeping wrong and waking up with a cramp in the neck or back. Many physicians recommend use of heat applied to muscle injuries after the first 24 to 48 hours, instead of the use of ice.

Using electric heating pads is more convenient than other methods of applying heat because it does not have to be re-heated, or re-microwaved and can be applied for a desired time without having to change the water in a hot water bottle. The advantage of having a constant temperature is also better than having the temperature of other methods of applying heat to an area consistently cool down as time goes by. The ability to adjust the temperature is another advantage to using an electric heating pad, most models offer 3 or 4 different heating levels.

The cost of operating an electric heating pad is pennies a day. It is a low cost option for those who want control over the heat temperature and length of time the heat is maintained. It actually would cost more to continually reheat water on the stove top or re-microwave water or other heat application devices as directed by the manufacturer. The use of electric heating pads costs less to maintain as well. The purchase price is a bit higher than a hot water bottle or other available heat application methods, but an electric heating pad will last longer than a hot water bottle or other method, which must be replaced much sooner.

Electric heating pads can also be used anywhere there is electricity available, no microwave or stove top is necessary. Portability is another advantage to using electric heating pads, they can be easily tucked into a suitcase or bag of almost any type when traveling for business or pleasure.

Electric heat pads are available in almost any pharmacy or department store. There are models which are available for use with 110 current and there are models for 220 current, which can be purchased, depending on where the person wishes to use the electric heat pad.

There are some electric heating pads that will use moist heat as well as dry heat. These models make the electric heating pad even more versatile than just the use of dry heat. Many physicians recommend use of moist heat for many medical conditions in addition to traditional uses on muscle strain. Application of heat can be a very comforting method of pain relief, which does not require use of drugs or chemicals.

Children should never use electric heating pads without direct adult supervision. Adults who use an electric heating pad should never fall asleep with the setting on high or medium, this can result in burn injury to the skin in the area of the electric heating pad. Caution should be used whenever using heat of any kind on an injury.

Many patients may choose the cost and convenience of an electric heating pad over other available methods for heat application to injuries or other areas of the body, which heat can be a benefit. The long lasting electric heating pad may cost more for initial outlay, but with the savings to the consumer for use and replacement costs for the other methods available, an electric heating pad may be a more desirable option.