Why we need heating pad

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• For an infrared heating pad: Thermotex Platinum Far Infrared Heating Pad – All Purpose
• For chemical heating pads: ThermaCare Heat Wraps
• For a gel heating pad: CLIK CLAK Reusable Heating Pads
• For an electric heating pad: GENIANI Extra Large Electric Heating Pad
• For a cordless heating pad: GoHeat Cordless Sunbeam Heating Pad

What are heating pads? 

Heating pads offer topical heat therapy to different parts of the body. These products may help soothe aching muscles and joints and relieve pain. ResearchTrusted Source suggests that heat therapy decreases pain and increases blood flow, metabolism, and connective tissue elasticity.

Heating pads come in various sizes and types, including electric, infrared, chemical, and liquid or gel pads.

How heating pads work

Heating pads provide a form of heat therapy. Applying heat to an area with inflamed joints or muscles can improve circulation since heat dilates the blood vessels.

How a heating pad works depends on its heating mechanism. The following are some common types of heating pads and how they work.

Electric

An electric heating pad uses internal coils to produce various levels of heat based on the user’s setting.

Though many models plug into a wall outlet, others use a battery pack for power. Battery-powered products may be more convenient for people who require a heating pad on the go. Many electric heating pads come with an automatic shut-off timer to prevent injury.

Infrared

Infrared heating pads also use electricity. However, infrared products convert electricity to infrared light, which produces heat. Older researchTrusted Source notes that infrared units are effective in eliminating or reducing chronic lower back pain.

Like electric heating pads, infrared may use battery packs or plug into a wall outlet. These products usually have features such as differing heat levels and automatic shut-off timers.

Chemical pads

Chemical pads rely on a chemical reaction to create temporary heat. Some chemical heating pads warm up automatically once a person exposes the product to air. Other products may involve squeezing the pad to release heat.

These pads are often available in packs and adhere directly to a person’s skin or clothing. Chemical heating pads are often single-use, and people will need to throw them away once they have cooled down.

Gels or liquid pads

Gel or liquid pads typically need heating in a microwave before they release heat. People can wear these pads inside clothing or directly on the skin, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.

These products are often reusable. People will need to reheat the pads in a microwave before using them again.

When to use a heating pad 

Heat and cold therapy can provideTrusted Source pain relief. According to the Arthritis Foundation, people may use one or the other therapy depending on their condition. The heat from heating pads loosens stiff joints and muscles, and ice or cold therapy helps swollen and painful joints. People with joint pain can alternate between hot and cold therapy but must wait a couple of hours between each application.

Other researchTrusted Source shows heat therapy can help relieve menstrual cramps. Heat can reduce muscle tension and relax the surrounding abdominal and pelvic muscles. This may help reduce pain due to muscle spasms.

The increased blood circulation can also help reduce fluid retention and swelling, reducing any pain due to nerve compression.

Heat therapy may also help:

• chronic back pain
• back and neck spasms
• osteoarthritis
• strains or sprains
• tendonitis
• warming up stiff muscles before activity

A person should not use heat therapy if:

• the affected area is warm to the touch
• they have an open wound
• they have nerve damage in the area