A heating pad is used to convert electric current into heat. It can be used in cold weather to provide comfortable warmth to the human body. However, the primary use of a heating pad is to provide soothing heat treatment for muscle tension.
What is a heating pad?
A heating pad is used for the selective heating of individual body regions. A heating pad is electrically operated and connected to a 220V socket. Its outer cover made of a soft cover fabric gives a pleasant feeling when placed on the body. The regulation of the heating pad allows a constant supply of heat. Heating pads come in various designs. In terms of industry, they belong to the category of electrical household appliances, although their field of application has long since shifted towards medical use. As an electrical device, a heating pad is subject to special electrical safety regulations. It must not be opened and repaired by a layman, and a heating pad must not come into contact with sharp objects.
Shapes, types and kinds
Heating pads come in different shapes and construction types. Their simplest form is the heating pad in rectangular shape, which in width approximately corresponds to the body dimensions of a lying person, and the height of which is about 30 centimeters. Such a heating pad is used for selective heating of individual parts of the body. Its moisture-proof design can be used in case of incontinence. From the time of poorly regulated heating systems comes the mattress heating pad. Its dimensions are similar to standard bed sizes and it was used almost exclusively for heating purposes in poorly heated bedrooms. Its use today is limited. The medical application of selective heat supply to body regions has led to the development of back heating pads and neck heating pads. The contours of these heating pads are based on the relevant body region and follow the course of the muscle cords. They allow an optimal and particularly targeted heat supply.
Structure, function and mode of action
Each heating pad consists in its basic structure of a textile carrier material. On this supporting layer are several fine-stranded heating spirals, which are interconnected in a system. The spirals are covered with an electrically insulating layer that protects against electric shocks during use. This entire system of carrier layer, heating spirals and insulating layer is sewn into another protective textile cover, which must not be opened. Over this entire structure are covered with a wide variety of covers. They are almost always removable and washable. The power supply is provided by a cable with a plug. The cable leads to a switch that turns on the heating pad in one to five stages, depending on the design and quality. From this switch, the heating pad is supplied with power through a second cable. When the switch is turned on, power is supplied to the first of the heating coils, which produces an initially small amount of heat. With each subsequent switch position, more heating coils are switched on and the heating pad heats up more. Safe heating pads have an automatic shut-off after 90 minutes.
Medical and health benefits
Muscle tension is one of the most widespread common diseases. Heat therapy is used to relieve these ailments. However, it does not replace the elucidation of the causes to these complaints. Heating pads are used to provide this selective heat therapy targeted at the affected areas of the body. It can be used to treat both chronic and non-chronic diseases. Under the influence of heat, the affected muscle regions relax and the blood circulation improves in the affected body zones. At the same time, the heat produces a psychological effect of relaxation, which additionally supports the warming effect. Muscle tension is often associated with joint diseases. When applying heat with a heating pad, the patient must therefore also observe the after-effects. They are different for each person and therefore heat but also cold effect can be more favorable. In case of favored heat effect, this can be supported by a laid-on, slightly damp linen cloth. Under no circumstances should the heating pad be used on open wounds or acute areas of inflammation.In the case of common muscle tensions or strains, selective heat treatment with a heating pad often saves a trip to the doctor or physiotherapy. However, if the discomfort does not subside after three days, the heating pad is no longer sufficient as a sole therapy.
