Heat Therapy
Introduction
Heat therapy is a treatment used to help relieve pain and muscle stiffness. Heat therapy is commonly used to reduce long-lasting or chronic pain. There are many forms of heat therapy, including commercial heat packs, heating pads, and moist or dry heat packs. Your doctor may prescribe heat therapy in conjunction with other treatments, including cold, exercise, and massage therapy.Heat therapy causes blood vessels in the treated areas to dilate or open wider. As a result, blood flow to the area is increased. Sore stiff muscles may relax and become more flexible. The increased blood flow may promote healing.