Thermotherapy, commonly known as heat therapy, is a technique in which heat is used to comfort people from pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms. Before any scientific observations were made, the early observations were that humans had already realized the pain-relieving effects of natural hot springs, sunbathing, etc. The warmth they experienced may have provided temporary relief from aches and pains, leading to its association with comfort and healing. Thus, Heat therapy, through hot springs, heated stones, etc., was practiced in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations to manage pain and soreness in the muscles.
It is evident that heat therapy has been prevalent for a long time and has a surprisingly long history.
Heat Therapy & Its Relevance In Modern Times
Over the years, the use of heat has remained prominent. In the 19th century, research to appreciate the relationship between heat and good blood circulation, among other mechanisms used for healing, came into existence, which brought about a more scientific approach. Currently, heat therapy continues to gain popularity because it is a natural, safe, and highly effective way to manage specific body pains.
Understanding The Impact Of Heat On Blood Circulation
The impact of heat on blood circulation is worth knowing, as it will help you understand how beneficial heat therapy is in bringing relief.
Heat Increases Blood Flow: As you begin with heat therapy with the best available heating pads, your body’s temperature will start to rise. This rise in the body temperature due to heat exposure causes the blood vessels to widen (dilate). This dilation allows more blood to flow through the ship, particularly closer to the skin’s surface. This increased blood flow serves a dual purpose:
- Heat Dissipation: When the body sends more blood to the surface, heat can be lost to the surrounding air, thereby enhancing the heat-elimination process. That’s why the skin feels warm.
- Tissue Nourishment: An increased blood supply also means higher oxygen and nutrient levels in skin layers. Consequently, this facilitates recovery and reduces swelling.
Impact on Different Parts of the Body:
- Skin: As mentioned earlier, blood flow increases significantly in the skin to dissipate heat. It is why your skin feels warm to the touch during heat exposure.
- Muscles: The additional heat can help the muscles relax by increasing blood circulation and reducing tightness. It is helpful in cases of muscle soreness and stiffness.
- Organs: Even though skin temperature might increase sometimes, it does not mean that the body’s core temperature rises concurrently. According to Survival International Organization \(SIO\) reports about body temperatures, when observed through a thermography lens, the closest parts of the skin usually appear warmer compared to ones lying deep in the body. The significant difference between internal organ temperatures and those where blood circulates at the surface of a human’s skin corroborates this assertion.
Important Considerations:
- Excessive Heat: Do heat therapy with moderate heat, as that is necessary to improve circulation. Excessively high temperatures can be dangerous. They can lead to dehydration, overheating, and even heatstroke.
- Pre-existing Conditions: People with certain medical conditions, like heart disease, circulatory problems, or any underlying health concerns, should consult a doctor before using heat therapy.
Overall, heat has a positive impact on blood circulation, promoting heat dissipation, tissue nourishment, and muscle relaxation. However, moderation is vital, and consulting a doctor is advisable if you have any concerns.
Getting To Learn More About The Impact Of Heat On Muscle Relaxation
In the earlier paragraph, we understood how heat therapy, when done the right way, widens the blood vessels. This widening of vessels allows more blood to flow through the area, bringing with it:
- Oxygen
- Nutrients
- Removal of Waste Products
The overall result of increased levels of oxygen, nutrients, and removal of waste products are the following:
Reduction of muscle tension: The fibers of a muscle respond directly to heat applied in the heat treatment process. It has certain features:
- Enhancement of elasticity: Increasing the heat around connective tissues adjacent to muscles contributes to their high elasticity, which helps prevent stiffness while still allowing them to move quickly.
- Decrease in spasm activity: It is effective in relieving pain due to muscle strain, cramp-induced conditions, such as menstrual cramps, and discomfort accompanied by irritability.
Pain Relief: Some studies are those which show that heat helps in increasing blood flow while at the same time reducing tension in the muscles, leading to less pain and comfort, such as:
- Pain Gate Theory: Heat treatments can turn on nerve fibers, inactivating pain signals and reducing the feeling of pain coming from the target muscle area.
- Endorphin Release: Heat treatment releases endorphins, the body’s natural anesthetics, alleviating the pain.
Warm Gist:
Many scientific studies have explained how the application of heat can help improve circulation. It means that heat therapy has notable benefits, including better muscle relaxation, elasticity, faster recovery, and fewer muscle pains. Treat muscle pulls/strains, spasms, or even cramps with heating pads that are of utmost safety, easy to use, portable, and ideal for re-use. One such heating pad ideal for heat therapy is from Express Heat Therapy, the leading supplier and distributor of heating pads worldwide.
