It is believed that heat therapy or using warmth to relieve pain is a concept that has been around for centuries. Ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations made use of natural hot springs, thermal baths, hot stones, and more to alleviate pain on a regular basis.
What is heat therapy?
Thermotherapy or heat therapy revolves around therapeutic heating with the usage of hot water bags, ultrasound, hydrocollator packs, heat pads, heating belts and other such tools and methods.
Muscle pain is common amongst people of all ages, although it is more likely to happen to the following groups of people:
- Senior citizens
- Sportspersons
- People who are involved in rigorous physical activity
Here are some of the top types and causes of muscle pain:
- Natural wear and tear
- Overexertion
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle spasms
- Postural stress
- Menstrual cramps
- Acute muscle soreness
- Extremely cold or hot weather
Studies suggest that heat therapy can be effective in the treatment or management of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, muscle pain, joint stiffness and more.
How does heat therapy work?
Heat therapy, generally used for pain relief and rehabilitation purposes, offers a wide range of therapeutic effects as it:
- Increases collagen tissue extensibility
- Decreases pain and stiffness in muscles and joints
- Helps reduce inflammation and muscle spasms
- Provides essential nutrients to the affected area(s)
- Helps improve the blood flow and delivers oxygen to the muscles, tissues, and cells
Heat belts – Products, Features, and Applications:
Neck pain, back pain, menstrual pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, and several other types of muscle and joint disorders can be addressed using heat therapy. The best way to deliver controlled heat to the affected muscles is via a heating belt or heat pad.
Muscle and joint pain can be tackled or managed by using high-quality heat belts and pads. They come in various shapes and sizes and work by transferring warmth to your aching muscles, this process is referred to as fomentation. Such products are known to increase or regulate the circulation of blood to the affected parts.
Here’s a selection of some of the best heating belts and heat pads that you can buy online.
SandPuppy’s New Fitbelt
The SandPuppy Fitbelt is a portable back pain relief device which has wireless heating making it completely safe to use. It has 3 levels of heating options, using a single switch. The maximum temperature on full charge goes up to 68 degrees Celsius. Its sleek and lightweight design makes its easy to carry and can be folded for compact storage. It is adjustable to different levels of your body and can be wrapped around the lower back, upper back and shoulder. The Fitbelt is not designed for lumbar support. The SandPuppy Fitbelt is ideal for people who want fatigue relief without the hassles of wires.
Key features:
- Infrared heating
- Rechargeable battery
- Portable and lightweight
- Adjustable heating levels
Aktive Ortho Heating Belt
This free-sized cotton heating pad from Aktive is made up of insulated electrical heating elements that apply controlled heat to your body. Extremely effective for treating pain and inflammation, the belt is specially designed to mobilize your lower spine, back, knee and elbow. They help treat pulled or torn muscles or tendons. The orthopaedic heating belt increases perfusion and blood circulation in the affected areas. The product comes with a long cord and precise temperature control. Its dual thermostat feature assures double safety.
Key features:
- Durable heating element
- Advanced heating mechanism
- Dual thermostat for added safety
- Orthopaedic relief from pain and inflammation
Electric Heating Pad - Star
An electric heating pad is a pouch filled & sealed with special gel, used to provide warmth, typically whilst in bed, but also for the application of heat to a specific part of the body. It is a high quality reliever from aches in cold climatic conditions. Gives relief from pain and makes you feel comfortable. Runs on electricity, no hassles of heating on gas or water. You can keep it inside the quilt to heat up the quilt or use on low temperature for massaging body parts.
Key features:
- Relives pain in joints, hips, knees, shoulders, ankles and back
- Ideal rehabilitation aid for torn ligaments and broken bones
Ortho Electric - Electric Sauna Belt - Activeheat
A sauna belt locks in heat within the belt to increase your body temperature which in turn encourages perspiration. The Vissco sauna belt helps you get rid of unwanted inches and helps you reduce the waistline resulting in weight loss in a quick and easy manner. It is perfect for toning up muscles of the abdomen, back, waist, or hip areas, keeping them firm. When you sweat, the toxins and impurities in your body get flushed out, thus improving overall health. The belt can also be used as therapy to relieve muscle pain and tension.
Key features:
- Temperature can be controlled
- Flushes out toxins and relieves muscle pain
- Simple one-click operation
Important things and features to consider when buying a heat belt
Since there are so many options available when it comes to shopping for a heat belt or heating pad, it is important to know what features you should look at before purchasing one. Here is a quick rundown of key features that modern heat belts offer:
- Auto shut-off function
- Temperature control
- Comfortable material or fabric cover
- Wireless operation (or a flexible and long power cord)
- Infrared technology
Apart from the above, you can also compare products based on the price, warranty and user-friendliness. At Seniority, we offer a massive range of orthopaedic products and pain relief equipment, including quality heat belts from trusted brands like Samson, Bluheat, Rexo, SandPuppy, Deemark and Flamingo.
Browse through our selection of effective pain relief products, heating pads and heat belts online.
