moist-heat-therapy
Moist heating pads for musculoskeletal pain and discomfort
As with any hot and cold compress, moist-heat wraps have a specific design to make their application most effective. The pads consist of tubed ribs, each containing a chemical filler that when moistened retains heat for up to 30 minutes. The ribbed design enables them to wrap around any joint in the body, or to lie flat against wide areas like the back.
Moist-heat wraps are available in four generic sizes and shapes, including 10-in. circles, 5 in. x 12 in. half-size, 10 in. x 12 in. standard size and 15 in. x 24 in. oversize. Specific wraps are available in a neck contour, or as large and small spine packs, knee/shoulder packs and cervical hot packs. Each has corner loops so you can grab them safely away from the heat source and place them in protective covers before application to the affected area. In addition, you can store wraps in plastic bags and place them in the freezer after treatment.
Protective moist heat therapy covers
All physical therapy supplies must consider the safety of clients and patients foremost in any product application. Manufacturers of the heat pads recommend heating the wraps to 165 degrees F and then wrapping them in a precautionary protective cover before applying them to skin. While the suppliers suggest that therapists, trainers and clinicians may use heavy towels for this purpose, they also offer their own form-fitting terrycloth microfiber or foam-filled covers.
The terrycloth microfiber covers allow the moist heat to penetrate evenly and deeply without reddening the skin. Wraps with foam padding absorb some weight of the wet pads from particularly sore areas while still dispersing the penetrating moist heat. Both styles come with foldable flaps or built-in pockets, and each closes around the pads with hook-and-loop tabs.
Standalone heating units for Relief Pak and Hydrocollator moist heat packs
The most convenient way to heat the wraps is to immerse them in standalone heating units, complementing medical exam tables in the heat-wrap therapy setting. Most units have seamless stainless steel construction, some with plastic insulation. In essence, each unit is a water bath with thermostatically controlled temperature settings. The units have grates that let you immerse several pads at once in the bath and pull them out together. Many units have on-off toggle switches that also glow green when the unit’s powered-on, as well as heat-lamp units to show when the water has reached its pre-set temperature. Many units also have heat sensors to shut down units if they overheat. Portable units with rubber casters are available, as are stationary tabletop units with rubber feet. Most units also have fixed hoses with open-shut valves to empty the water bath as necessary over a floor drain or basin.
Check out CeilBlue’s standalone heating units and the variety of generic and specific wraps that may be available with them for penetrating, deep moist heat therapy.
