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.