The use of an electric heating pad, hot water bottle, hot compresses, a heat lamp, a hot tub, hot baths, or hot showers to promote healing. Heat treatments increase blood flow to an area, which can help augment natural healing. Heat treatments are sometimes used to treat back pain. Care should be taken not to use heat treatment too soon after an injury (such as in the first hours), since it can increase swelling and pain from increased blood flow. Heat treatment must be used cautiously to prevent burns.
Heat therapy involves using heat to treat diseases, aid in recovery from injuries, or alleviate pain. This form of treatment is particularly beneficial for specific conditions, such as ligament sprains, as it helps to increase blood flow and facilitate the healing process of tissues.
Moist heat can be applied by immersing the affected area in a warm bath or using a hot compress or poultice. On the other hand, dry heat can be administered using a heating pad, hot-water bottle, or a heat lamp that emits infra-red rays. For more targeted heating of deeper tissues in the body, techniques like ultrasound treatment and short-wave diathermy can be employed.