We all seem to have that instinct when pain arrives whether from a sprain or the first twinges of arthritis to get some ice to the site. And, for the most part that instinct is right. Applying cold therapies to acute situations is an important first measure. We’ll right more about cold therapies a bit later on. For now, let’s discuss heat therapy, especially moist heat treatments.
Applying heat is preferred once an acute situation has become chronic, or once the initial swelling from the acute situation has subsided. Moist heat works extremely well for pain, stiffness and secondary muscle spasms in cases of chronic arthritis. Pain in the lower back, neck and jaw (TMJ) respond well to frequent moist heat treatments. Use also in cases of degenerative joint diseases, soft tissue traumatic arthritis and inflammation of joints causing bursitis and other conditions. (There are, of course, situations where heat is never the preferred approach. Always discuss treatments, even home treatments, with your physician.)
Moist heat is often preferred over dry heat because it provides deeper penetration of the tissue and muscles at the same temperature. It also has the ability to change the temperature of the tissues in questions, thereby obtaining more effective response from the nerve endings.
Using moist therapies that retain warmth to the touch for 30 minutes or more is essential to get the full value of moist heat. Baths, moist heated towels, saunas, and hot water bottles are some of the common sources of moist heat therapy. There are also numerous products on the market that help you achieve relief from moist heat. Many contain beads that when heated release enough moisture to create the soothing and healing effects of moist heat. Others contain gel-like substances that retain heat for long periods of time, while delivering an almost “icy hot” sensation to the affected area.



The Therall Joint Warming Knee Support, for example, is constructed with four-way stretch material for light compression to counteract swelling. The material has ceramic fibers that insulate the joint by retaining heat and slowly reflecting it


The pain and discomfort of arthritis stops many in their tracks, affecting their ability to enjoy everyday activities. For some, work becomes impossible as the pain grows. Getting a handle on arthritis in its early stages can help you manage this condition over long periods of time. Moist heat therapies in conjunction with exercise, the right diet and proper sleep, will help ease the inflammation that is at the heart of arthritis.
Tell us your story. We are always interested to get information on how you cope, what works for you, what does not.
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