Heat pack
History and tradition: where does the heat pack come from?
Historical origins
The treatment of heat for healing purposes has a long tradition. Even in ancient times, the Greeks and Romans used hot stones, sand or mud to treat pain and muscle stiffness.
Modern development
In the 19th century, thermal packs were increasingly used as part of hydrotherapy and balneotherapy. With the development of modern heating technology, heat packs also became established in physical therapy. Today, the treatment is an established standard therapy, especially in physiotherapy.
Characteristics: What makes the heat pack special?
A heat pack is a so-called thermal pack that ensures even and deep heat transfer. The treatment with a heat pack is applied directly to the skin or with a cloth in between. The temperature usually fluctuates between 40 and 50 °C. The heat penetrates deep into the tissue and can therefore effectively relieve tension in the back.
Comparison of materials
Depending on the material, such as natural moor, fango or gel, the pack stores the heat for different lengths of time and releases it evenly into the tissue. Natural moor and fango are considered to be particularly heat-retaining, while gel packs are well suited for flexible home use.
Procedure: How does the treatment work?
Before treatment, the heat pack is heated to a therapeutically effective temperature. It is then applied directly or with an intermediate layer to the affected area of the body. The treatment takes an average of 20 to 30 minutes.
In practice, the pack is heated in a heating cabinet, in a water bath or in the microwave, depending on the model. Ideally, this is followed by a resting phase.
Tip: After treatment, a rest period of around 10 minutes is recommended to further deepen the effect of the heat. The heat pack is often combined with other treatments such as massage or exercise sessions to support the therapy.
Indications: How does a heat pack work and who is it suitable for?
Heat has a pain-relieving, circulation-enhancing and relaxing effect. It can relieve muscle stiffness, stimulate the metabolism in the tissue and help to alleviate numerous complaints. Heat packs are often used for back pain, neck tension or to relax overloaded tissue. If well tolerated , treatment is possible once or twice a day, ideally in combination with targeted therapy.
Typical areas of application
- tension
- Chronic back pain
- osteoarthritis
- menstrual cramps
- fibromyalgia
- stress-related muscle hardening
- irritable bowel syndrome
- Degenerative joint diseases
- Heat therapy as part of rehabilitation or physiotherapy
The therapeutic effect of heat was examined in the study "Superficial heat or cold for low-back pain" by S. D. French et al. (University of Melbourne, 2006), among others. This showed significant pain relief for chronic back pain. Another study conducted by the University of Toronto in 2014 also confirmed positive effects on menstrual cramps.
Contraindications: When is a heat pack not suitable?
Not recommended for
- acute inflammations
- fresh injuries
- open wounds
- fever
- circulatory disorders
- heart failure
- diabetes
- Sensory disorders (e.g. after a stroke - risk of unnoticed overheating)
➡️ Note: If you have any pre-existing conditions or are unsure , treatment should be discussed with a doctor in advance.
Conclusion
The most important facts about the heat pack at a glance
- 1. A heat pack is a targeted form of thermal therapy to alleviate physical complaints.
- 2. It has a pain-relieving effect, promotes blood circulation and supports muscular relaxation.
- 3. The treatment is usually carried out at temperatures between 40 and 50 °C and takes 20 to 30 minutes.
- 4. It is particularly suitable for tension, back pain and degenerative joint complaints.
- 5. It is often combined with exercise therapy or massages to enhance the therapeutic effect.
- 6. Heat packs are also suitable for treatment at home and can be easily integrated into everyday life.
- 7. Materials such as fango or moor are considered to be particularly heat-retaining and ensure an even release of heat.
FAQ - Further questions about the heat pack
A heat pack, also known as a thermal pack, is a localized heat application for the treatment of muscle tension, pain and circulatory disorders. It is used for back pain, arthrosis and stress-related complaints, among other things.
In physiotherapy treatments, heat packs are usually combined with massages or exercise therapy. At home, heat packs often consist of gel or granular filling and are prepared in a water bath, in the microwave or using a heating cabinet with a temperature setting.
Typical areas of application are the back, neck, shoulders, abdomen and joints. The selection depends on the individual complaints.
A heat pack remains warm for around 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the material. If well tolerated, the treatment can be applied once or twice a day.
The cost is between five and 15 euros per treatment, depending on the facility.
Fango is a natural mineral mud that retains heat particularly well. It can be used as a stand-alone pack or incorporated into heat packs.
Heat should not be applied in the case of acute inflammation, open wounds, fever, circulatory disorders or restricted temperature sensation.
The heat relaxes the muscle tissue, promotes blood circulation and improves the effect of therapeutic measures such as massages or physiotherapy exercises.
The microwave is a practical option for heating products at home quickly and safely without a bain-marie or other accessories.