Heat Therapy

1. 1. I have heard that cold therapy is also a good way to relieve pain. When is cold therapy the right treatment and when is heat therapy?

   The therapeutic use of cold or warmth is a well-known physiotherapeutic treatment. Whether to use heat or cold on the affected area depends on the type of pain.

   • Heat is an effective way to relieve pain caused by muscle strain and tension, and in many cases applying external heat sources can relieve muscle pain.
   • Cold is recommended for acute conditions, such as acute inflammation or injuries, e.g. sports injuries such as sprains, contusions, bruising, and swelling.

   If you are in doubt as to whether to apply heat or cold, please consult a medical professional, such as a pharmacist or physician.

2. 2. When should I use Elastoplast Capsaicin Heat Patches and what should Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pads be used for?

   Both products can be used for the relief of musculoskeletal pain. They differ in their mode of action.

   • Elastoplast Capsaicin Heat Patches induce the feeling of warmth by means of a pharmacological ingredient and inhibit the pain-transmitting Substance P whereas Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pads are an external source of physical heat.
   • Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pads provide long-lasting deeply penetrating physical heat. They therefore can also be used by persons who react with unpleasant skin sensations when using capsaicin creams, ointments or pads.

3. 3. Against which types of pain can the Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pad be used?

   The large Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pad is great for the relief of muscle pain in the low back area.

   The main application for the small Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pad is the relief of pain from muscle strain and tension in the neck and shoulder area.

   The heat pads provide pleasant concentrated warmth for the relief of muscle pain and to relax tight and cramped muscles. Please first consult your physician if you want to use the Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pad for other types of pain.

4. 4. For how long should the Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pad be applied?

   The Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pad should be applied over 2-3 days for 8 hours daily to achieve optimal results.

   Only one pad should be applied in the same area within any 24-hour period. In addition, a pad should not be applied for more than 7 consecutive days in the same area. A physician should be consulted if the pain remains or gets even worse, because this might be a sign of a more serious disease.

5. 5. Why should I consult a physician before using the Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pad when I suffer from diabetes?

   Patients suffering from diabetes often develop poor blood circulation, a diminished ability to sense high temperatures, and are more susceptible to skin irritation. Therefore, people living with diabetes should consult their physician before using the Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pad.
   

6. 6. Can I wear the Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pad overnight?

   It is possible to wear the Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pad overnight, but we suggest first wearing it during the day in order to experience and assess the level of heat.