Heating pads and heat therapy in general is used for things like pain, muscle strains, swelling and joint stiffness. Moist heating pads are often more effective than dry heating pads. The moist heat has more of an effect on soft tissue, muscle and joints. A moist heating pad will retain a constant temperature over the whole time you have it on while things like hot packs or wraps that you heat in the microwave will get cooler the longer you have them on.

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.

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.