Heating pad how long

And the Sunbeam King Size cover cannot be machine-washed. It has a long run of good reviews but costs almost twice as much as our pick. The Cureve Gel Pad comes with a cover, but one without Velcro straps, canceling out the possibility of hands-free use.

Furthermore, because its gel is not segmented into compartments like the Ohuhu, it heats up unevenly and is difficult to place on the body. Due to their fabric coverings, both pads took on faint food smells after being microwaved despite the microwave being clean , which the Ohuhu did not. Neither can be heated by boiling, either, nor do they freeze well. The Cleveland Clinic has a helpful infographic for choosing between heat and ice for treating pain.

Joel Hawk, principal engineer manager at UL, small appliances division , phone interview, July 19, Michael S. Freitas, M. Nancy Redd is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering everything from Santa hats to bath bombs. Her latest picture book, The Real Santa , follows a determined little Black boy's journey to discover what the jolly icon truly looks like. Our pick. Sunbeam King Size XpressHeat A well-rated model from a known brand It has the same feel and features as our pick but is a bit pricier.

Also great. Everything we recommend. Why you should trust us. Who this is for. How we picked and tested. Photo: Rozette Rago. Take an old, clean sock and fill it three-quarters full with uncooked rice, corn barley, or oatmeal. Tie or sew it shut and heat it in the microwave for 1—2 minutes.

To prevent burns, always test a heating pad on the inside of the arm before applying it to the affected area. It should feel comfortably warm, but not hot. Applying a heating pad can help ease pain in joints, muscles, and soft tissues.

This is a form of heat therapy, or thermotherapy. Heat increases the blood flow to the affected area, relaxing the muscles and helping to reduce stiffness in the joints. During the healing process, increased blood circulation brings more oxygen to the injured cells. Oxygen accelerates the healing of tissues.

Do not use heat therapy in the immediate aftermath of an injury. This is the inflammatory phase of healing, and heat could cause more swelling and tissue injury. Some common options include:. Finally, it is important to use enough insulation between the heat source and the skin to avoid overheating or burning the skin. Please note that heat should not be used in certain circumstances. For example, if the lower back is swollen or bruised, heat should not be used. Patients should consult doctors if they have heart disease or hypertension.

Heat application is also not suitable in the following cases:. But when should you use heat and when is it better to use cold? This is a really good question, one we hear quite frequently. As a general rule of thumb, use ice for acute injuries or pain, that may also involve inflammation or swelling.

Use heat for muscle pain or stiffness. When — Cold is the choice if the injury is aching, even at rest.