Just another iHealthSpot WP02 site

Heat Therapy

Back to Patient Education

Introduction

Heat therapy is a treatment used to help relieve pain and muscle stiffness.  Heat therapy is commonly used to reduce long-lasting or chronic pain.  There are many forms of heat therapy, including commercial heat packs, heating pads, and moist or dry heat packs.  Your doctor may prescribe heat therapy in conjunction with other treatments, including cold, exercise, and massage therapy.
 
Heat therapy causes blood vessels in the treated areas to dilate or open wider.  As a result, blood flow to the area is increased.  Sore stiff muscles may relax and become more flexible.  The increased blood flow may promote healing. 

Back to top

Treatment

You may recieve heat therapy alone or in conjunction with other treatments.  You may be provided with a treatment schedule and specific instructions to use at home.  A heat pack or heating pad should be covered with a protective barrier, such as a towel and not come in direct contact with your skin.  You may repeat heat treatments as instructed by your doctor.

Back to top

Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Footer

Patient Education

From symptoms and diagnosis to treatment and prevention, learn about common acute and chronic conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system in our patient education center.

LEARN MORE

Special Programs

Thanks to advanced certifications our physical therapists have obtained, Orion Physical Therapy offers a number of special programs not found at your typical physical therapy clinic. If you’re an athlete looking for that extra edge, we can help improve your performance. If you want to avoid neck and back injuries at work, we can educate you about ergonomics and teach you proper lifting techniques.

LEARN MORE

  • Orion Physical Therapy

    1210 S. Lapeer Rd.,
    Lake Orion, MI 48360
    Phone: (248) 814-8060
    Fax: (248)-814-8070

Copyright © · Orion Physical Therapy · All Rights Reserved
iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

At Orion Physical Therapy in Lake Orion, Michigan, Michigan, our licensed physical therapists have expertise in treating orthopedic, sports-related, and work-related conditions and injuries affecting the back, neck, shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, hip, knee, foot, and ankle. Our therapists provide manual therapy, pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, and treatment for balance disorders and gait training.