![]() ![]() Though many come with automatic shut-offs, a person should always check that their pad has no obvious signs of wear and tear or damage before plugging it in. Manufacturers may instruct a person to use protective covers and provide instructions on how long a person can use the pad.Īnother potential issue from electric heating pads is electrical fires. When using an electric heating pad, a person should start on the lowest setting and work their way up, carefully setting a timer to avoid leaving it on too long.įor any heating pad, a person should follow all instructions for their device. This study took place in a hospital in Korea and may not represent other studies that look at the causes of more minor burns. Electric heating pads accounted for about 17% of all cases. In a 2012 study looking at different heat therapy modes, including heating pads and gel packs, researchers found that gel packs accounted for over 50% of reported burns in their study of patients hospitalized for burns from heating devices. However, heating pads can pose health risks. Researchers found that alternating between heat and cold therapies and using medications alleviated the participant’s lower back pain. The Arthritis Foundation suggests using a heating pad before physical activity to warm joints and muscles for a better stretch. They can ease symptoms of muscle and joint aches and pains.Ī person may also find using a heating pad before exercise beneficial. Heating pads provide topical heat therapy to specific areas of the body. Health benefits and risks of heating pads ![]() warming up stiff muscles before activity.The increased blood circulation can also help reduce fluid retention and swelling, reducing any pain due to nerve compression. This may help reduce pain due to muscle spasms. Heat can reduce muscle tension and relax the surrounding abdominal and pelvic muscles. Other research shows heat therapy can help relieve menstrual cramps. People with joint pain can alternate between hot and cold therapy but must wait a couple of hours between each application. The heat from heating pads loosens stiff joints and muscles, and ice or cold therapy helps swollen and painful joints. According to the Arthritis Foundation, people may use one or the other therapy depending on their condition. Heat and cold therapy can provide pain relief. People will need to reheat the pads in a microwave before using them again. Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, people can wear these pads inside clothing or directly on the skin. Gel or liquid pads typically need heating in a microwave before they release heat. This makes them a less eco-friendly option than other types of heating pads. Chemical heating pads are often single-use, and people need to throw them away once they have cooled down. These pads are often available in packs and adhere directly to a person’s skin or clothing. Other products may involve squeezing the pad to release heat. Some chemical heating pads warm up automatically once a person exposes the product to air. Chemical padsĬhemical pads rely on a chemical reaction to create temporary heat. These products usually have differing heat levels and automatic shut-off timers. Like electric heating pads, infrared may use battery packs or plug into a wall outlet. Older research notes that infrared units effectively eliminate or reduce chronic lower back pain. However, infrared products convert electricity to infrared light, which produces heat. Infrared heating pads also use electricity. Many electric heating pads come with an automatic shut-off timer to prevent injury. Battery-powered products may be more convenient for people who require a heating pad on the go. Though many models plug into a wall outlet, others use a battery pack for power. ElectricĪn electric heating pad uses internal coils to produce various levels of heat based on the user’s setting. The following are some common types of heating pads and how they work. How a heating pad works depends on its heating mechanism. Applying heat to an area with inflamed joints or muscles can improve circulation since heat dilates the blood vessels. Heating pads provide a form of heat therapy. ![]()
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