Everyone agrees that applying heat over stiff muscles or after intense physical activity feels great! Heat can be a great therapeutic source to reduce pain and soothe the symptoms of an injury or overworked muscles.

Heat improves circulation to a particular area due to raised temperature. Blood vessels increase in diameter and allow tissues to obtain more fluids and nutrients. It helps relax and soothe a specific area, increases tissue elasticity, relieves pain and discomfort and promotes the body’s own healing mechanisms. Heat application is normally used for muscle pain or stiffness (i.e., muscle spasms, overused and overworked muscles, mild strains…)

Application times may vary, but recommended times are normally between 5 and 20 minutes. Using heat few times a day will bring even more benefit! Heating pads, spending some time on a sauna, steamed towels, hot baths or a hot water bottle are great sources of heat. As a precaution, warm temperatures (rather than hot ones) should be used to avoid skin burns.

Heat therapy is contraindicated in certain cases such as in bruised or swollen regions or in areas with an open wound or active infection. Due to potential complications, people with conditions such as diabetes, vascular disease, dermatitis or deep vein thrombosis should avoid using heat therapy.

The Centre of Osteopathy & Sports Medicine always recommend professional assessment and advice to any body injury before attempting any treatment. Providing that your symptoms are no more than some muscular soreness and stiffness here and there, especially after exhausting gym training or a long time in front of the laptop, a hot water bottle over that area will definitely benefit you and make you feel GREAT!