As promised in Last Blog, Let talk about type of Heat Therapies. There are two types of heat therapies: Dry and Moist heat. There is a difference between the two, and you need to understand difference between the two.

Before analyzing the two, however, you shoulder first go and read the previous blog and be absolutely certain that you need heating rather than cold therapy.

DRY HEAT Therapy:

Many Dry Heat treatment Products are electric. Dry Heat sources draw moisture out of skin. The upside is that it is very convenient and easy to use. The downside is that it could potentially dehydrate skin. If you have skin issues it might be best to stick with moist heat, as you wouldn’t want to risk dehydrating your skin. If you like dry heat make sure you keep at moderate setting and limit frequency of use.

Moist Heat Therapy:

Moist Heat is less likely to cause skin dehydration. It helps to increase tissue elasticity, making it ideal for patient with dry/ and aging skin. Most expert recommends moist over dry heat. Moist heat also penetrate more deeply into the skin.

Using moist heat pack with several layers of towels in order to prevent burning. They can be applied onto the problem area for up to minutes. Reusable heating pads are ideal, will save you money on long run. It’s best to use hot water rather than microwave to reheat.

Talk to your doctor and/or Physiotherapist if you are unsure which type of therapy would be right for you.

What we use at Kitchener Physiotherapy & Wellness: