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Thursday, November 3, 2016

By Elizabeth Meyer


Tearing and straining of muscles is something that occurs to many people often. Due to this type of bodily stress people get treatments like massages. One very common home remedy for this is using a hot compress. Chronic muscle pain often occur in parts like the lower leg, back and neck areas which are most often used due to daily activities. Even the simple act of walking can trick a muscle to be pulled.

There is always the option of boiling water and then dipping a small towel in it. While this may be the most accessible way, trying to keep the warmth in can be a bit difficult. This is what makes reusable trigger activated heat packs such a great product especially in United States. It eliminates the need to constantly boil water and dipping towels just to use for the pain.

There are also other tools for this purpose. They range between electrical, chemical and bottle types. Since an activated heat pack is reusable, this makes it the more affordable choice. Apart from that there is no electrocution risks involved and rubber material that can cause the device to oxidize.

The usage of the pad does not limit to hot compression either. Putting it in the freezer for an amount of time can also turn it into an ice pack substitute. CaCO3, better known as calcium carbonate, is the main heating component used in these devices. A metal coin is lodged inside the pack. This coin needs to be clicked to activate the chemical.

The chemicals involved in these packs are commonly calcium carbonate. When the metal coin gets activated it causes the calcium carbonate to crystallize. This process releases energy that generates the heat. The pack eventually solidifies on the inside but this is normalized through boiling it for 10 to 15 minutes after use.

The reason why this kind of therapy works is how our blood works with different ranges of temperature. The high temperature promotes faster and improved blood circulation to the different parts of the body, from the muscles to the tendons and ligaments. These parts are often easily strained due to poorly executed movement. Since blood flow is increased the nutrient distribution to these areas is more efficient, thus promoting faster healing.

Pain can also be remedied through using heat. According to the gate control pain theory, the temperature distracts the neurons from experiencing the main cause with a varied stimuli. This is why people find pain relief through massages and hot packs.

The best way to apply the device is not directly through contact with skin. Wrap it with a towel or cloth so that it does not have a higher chance of burning your skin. Remember not to exceed the application to more than 20 minutes on a single area unless it is recommended by the doctor. The confusion of using hot or cold compress has always been an issue so make sure that you have identified the problem first before making a decision whether to use hot or cold.

Heat is not advised to be used on open and inflamed wounds and injuries. This is best for cold compress, ice packs and elevation. The amount of time that the device should be used in an area also varies on the type of injury. So be wary of this unless you want burns and blisters. This device only needs little maintenance and proper use for it to last very long.




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