It is important to note that heat treatment is utilized as a form of therapy for various musculoskeletal injuries associated to various sports. There are various types of heat treatment and the highly effective usually depends on the injury sustained by the individual. The time scale is also a vital factor in determining if heat therapy should be used.
Just like with cold therapy, it is vital that you know how to utilize the heat treatment for certain injuries. Proper application of heat therapy can effectively manage chronic injuries and even acute injuries in the late stages.
Benefits of heat treatment
Always remember that heat works by reducing the pain, minimizing stiffness, reducing muscle spasms and increasing the flow of blood to the area in order to promote the healing process.
When to use heat treatment
Heat treatment must be utilized on chronic injuries as well as acute injuries in their late stages. When it comes to a chronic injury, it has lasted for certain duration of time and usually caused by overuse or biomechanical issues. Heat can be utilized before an individual will start an exercise routine to warm up the muscles but must not be used after exercise.
At home, the easiest way to apply heat to an injury is to use the readily available heat packs that are available in the market. You can even include one in your first aid kit so that one is readily on hand at all times. These packs are usually made out of various materials often wheat or gel-based constituents that might require heating in a microwave oven or immersing in hot water. The pack must be applied 15-20 minutes at a time. Alternative options include the use of warm towels, heat rubs and warm baths but they are not effective in warming the deeper tissues.
If you are in doubt, it is best to consult a doctor for proper delivery of heat therapy in order to effectively manage chronic injuries and conditions.
Contraindications of heat treatment
Just like with other forms of treatment, heat treatment has its own share of contraindications that you should be familiar with. The following contraindications include the following:
- Heat-related conditions
- Sensory changes
- DVT
- Circulatory problems
- Hypo or hyper-sensitive to heat
- During the acute stage of injury
- Malignant tumors
- Infections
It is important to note that most of these are caused by the massive increase in the blood flow to the area. If heat is used on conditions such as malignant tumors or infections, it will only increase the risk of spreading the infection or cancerous cells due to the increased flow of blood all over the body.
If you want to learn more on how to effectively provide heat treatment on chronic injuries, you can learn the right method by enrolling in a first aid course in your area today.