Heat Therapy

WHY HEAT?

Heat therapy opens blood vessels and increases blood flow, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues. It also relaxes the muscles and helps reduce pain in the affected area.

Heat therapy is generally applied as a Caldera Gel Pack, a compress like a Caldera Therapy Wrap, a sauna, a shower or a bath. When you use heat therapy, always exercise caution and make sure the temperature is comfortable. Don’t use heat therapy over open wounds or stitches or if you have poor circulation. Heat treatment should not last more than thirty minutes.

BENEFITS OF HEAT THERAPY FOR LOWER BACK PAIN:

While warmth and heat have long been associated with comfort and relaxation, heat therapy can also provide pain relief and healing benefits for many types of lower back pain.

And heat therapy offers several other significant benefits—it’s inexpensive and can be done at home while relaxing. Caldera’s Therapy Wraps even make it possible to apply heat therapy while in the car or at work.

HOW HEAT THERAPY WORKS:

Lower back pain due to strains and over-exertion creates tension in the muscles and soft tissues around the lower spine. This restricts proper circulation and sends pain signals to the brain. Muscle spasm in the lower back can create sensations ranging from mild discomfort to excruciating pain. Heat therapy can help relieve pain from the muscle spasm and related tightness in the lower back.

Applying heat therapy can help provide lower back pain relief in several ways:

  • it dilates blood vessels of the muscles surrounding the lumbar spine. This increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, helping heal the damaged tissue;
  • it stimulates the sensory receptors in the skin, so applying heat to the lower back will decrease transmission of pain signals to the brain and partially relieve discomfort; and,
  • it helps stretch the soft tissues around the spine, including muscles, connective tissue and adhesions. Consequently, there will be a decrease in stiffness and injury, and an increase in flexibility and overall feeling of comfort. Flexibility is very important for a healthy back.
For many people, heat therapy works best when combined with other treatments like physical therapy and exercise.