5 Amazing Benefits Of Heat Therapy
Heat therapy, also known as thermotherapy, is a popular treatment that can be done at home. Many people use it to improve their quality of life and to recover from injuries. Here is a list of 5 amazing benefits of how heat therapy can improve your life:
1) FASTER RECOVERY AFTER EXERCISE
Heat therapy boosts your recovery after an intense workout. As heat is applied, your muscles relax and allow an increase in blood flow to the heated area to cool it down. This brings in lots of fresh nutrients and oxygen while removing built up lactic acid in your muscle tissue. Small heating pads are ideal for this since you can target the specific muscle group that was exercised. Not only does heat treatment accelerate recovery, it increases muscle endurance and growth by optimising your body’s use of energy and resources. Redirecting it from recovery into forming new and stronger tissue.
2) IMPROVES MOOD AND MENTAL HEALTH
Around 43 million adults over the age of 45 are estimated to be suffering from chronic loneliness, and more than a quarter of Americans live by themselves. One part of our social need is the need for physical heat. In a study published in 2012, researchers John A. Bargh and Idit Shalev discovered that there may be a correlation between chronic loneliness and the amount of hot baths taken. In the same way that a hot bath or a steamy shower can leave you feeling serene and content with life, heat therapy can trick your brain into releasing dopamine by substituting human heat.
3) RELIEVES CHRONIC PAIN AND STIFFNESS
Before working in offices became prevalent, humans tended to live and work on their feet. Therefore, our bodies have naturally adapted to being active. Our new sedentary lifestyle causes our muscles to cramp up and build up lactic acid, over time, this leads to chronic injuries that are hard to heal.
In the same way that heat therapy accelerates your recovery after exercising, it can reduce chronic inflammation and stiffness in your muscles and joints. As the heat is applied to the target area, your tendons soften and muscles relax which allows for easier movement and better blood flow.
The Vitnesse Microwaveable Neck & Shoulder Wrap is perfect to use at home or at work to release built up tension and stiffness.
4) IMPROVES POSTURE
Allowing heat therapy to relax and revitalize stiff and sore tissues does not only help with chronic pain, it also improves your posture. At some point or another most of us have tried standing against a wall to correct our posture. While this may be effective with dedication and discipline, we often find ourselves slumping forward again as soon as we become distracted.
Sitting or standing while trying to maintain a healthy posture becomes much easier with a heat wrap or pad. Similar to how a spring always returns to its original shape, our bodies become accustomed to being in a certain posture. By using heat therapy we can relax the muscles and tendons that are holding our spines and necks in these unnatural positions, allowing them to shift and find their natural orientation more easily. Over time, the body will become re-educated on how to correctly maintain its posture.
5) ACCELERATES HEALING OF INJURIES
If you have ever sprained your ankle while out on a run, you know how long and arduous the healing process can be. Heat increases blood flow to the injury, which can speed healing. Once swelling has disappeared, you can begin by alternating hot and cold packs for 15-20 minutes at a time. Make sure to wrap any ice pack in a towel since direct contact can damage your skin.