Moist heating pads are best used to help loosen tight muscles and joints. They are very effective for arthritis suffers. Moist heating pads for back pain are also very effective. Most if not all of these type of heating pads require no water and get warm automatically when plugged in. They work by drawing in the humidity from the air and catching it in the packs flannel cover. The rise in temperature from within the pack makes the flannel covers moisture seep out and onto the affected area.

So just how does this moist heat help your pain? The heated areas have blood vessels dilate which cause perfusion (increased flow of oxygen and nutrients) to the tissue, which in turn relaxes muscles, relieves pain and helps the area to heal. Keep in mind though that most moist heating pads register up to 180 degrees. They can be dangerous and cause serious burns if left on too long or unattended.

Moist heat pad are convenient. They come in many sizes also so you can buy the proper size for the area of your body you are treating. Special flannel covers that retain moisture come with all of them. There are some available in a hand muff style, which is especially good for patients with arthritis of the hands. Make sure you choose a reputable manufacturer and make sure your moist heat pad comes with a cover that can be removed and washed.

As we have said the most common uses for moist heating pads are to relieve pain, be it arthritis, muscle strain etc. Some other uses for your moist heating pad are a little less common though. They are great for older people who suffer from chills, or even a younger one who likes the bedroom warmer than their partner does. A small heating pad placed in the bed (not on your body) and left in place makes for a very toasty sleeping experience.

Dermatologists often tell their patients with acne to use heat on their face so it will heal faster. Small moist heating pads can be applied when you are relaxing. Just do not forget that these pads get very hot so check your skin often your do not want a burn. Having said that, many prefer a moist heating pad over and electric heating pad, especially when using them in bed due to the perceived risk associated with falling asleep while using an electrical device.

So as you can see a good quality moist heating pad will last for years, help you relieve pain (in many areas and from many sources), reduce swelling and do a few other neat things you may not have thought of. They come in an assortment of sizes, are reasonably priced and are really worth the investment.

Heating pads are simple method of warming localized parts of your body to aid circulation, ease tension and alleviate pain.

The heating pad is usually a portable pad that is heated by an external source and then applied to a particular area of the body.  The warmth is intended to dilate the blood vessels around the affected area, thus improving circulation.  The improved circulation has the effect of increasing the oxygen flow which in turn aids muscle relaxation.  The relaxation of muscular tension, together with the healing effect provided by the improved oxygen flow means that heating pads can actually give the user a sensation of pain relief in addition to the benefits of blood flow and tension relief.

Types Of Heating Pads

Heating pads can come in a number of different shapes and sizes, ranging from relatively complex electrical devices to the simple hot water bottle.

• Electrical Heating Pads – these are the least portable types of heating pads and typically operate by using the household electric current.  They work by heating a moist contact surface which in turn provides moist heat to the affected area.  The important thing to be careful about with electrical heating pads is that they do not overheat as if they do so then they may well burn the affected area instead of providing treatment for the affected area.

• Microwaveable Heating Pads – these products tend to be pads incorporating a substance which has the ability to absorb and retain a lot of heat.  This heat is provided by placing the heating pad into the microwave for a period.  The heating pad is then applied to the affected area and the heat dissipates gradually over an extended period, thus warming the affected area.  Typical substances used to fill microwaveable heating pads would include:

• wheat-bags which tend to be  moist heating pads and may often include aromatic oils, herbs, such as lavender, and spices in order to create a soothing fragrance whilst in use.
• ceramics, which provide a dry heat, but tend to retain their heat for longer and are not as much of a fire risk as the organically filled heating pads.

• Chemical Heating Pads – chemical heating pads most often create a one time chemical reaction the by-product of which is heat.  There are some chemical heating pads available that are reusable, but this is not the norm.

What Sort Of Pain Will Heating Pads Help Alleviate

Clearly the sort of pain that heating pads will work best in alleviating are likely to be localized muscular and joint pains.  Heating pads may also be used to provide a soothing effect in certain circumstances.  So the sort of afflictions for which heating pads are likely to be useful include:

• People who are suffering from a sports injury, such as a sprained ankle.
• Those suffering from arthritis.
• Athletes with joint stiffness.
• People suffering from migraine headaches.
• Anyone suffering from tension, say in the head or neck area.
• Heating pads for back pain.

Heating Pads Conclusion

Heating pads are used frequently by those suffering chronic muscular or joint pain or other bodily tension.  They are a simple and effective treatment in many cases whilst at the same time providing real benefit, and very often successfully aiding recovery and alleviating pain.  The types of heat they provide can range from dry heat to moist heat which gives the sensation of greater muscular penetration.  They tend to be relatively inexpensive, practical and portable.