Microwaveable heat pad

Different types of heating pads available for pain relief There are different types of heating pads that can used to get quick relief from pain and stiffness. The heating pad is classified based on the type of material used for making heat pad and also based on the method employed to heat the pad. The following section provides details on the different types of heat pads available.

 Microwaveable heat pad

This type of heat pad is made up of flannels and is filled with grains like buckwheat and rice. The heat pad has to be heated in a microwave to generate the required heat. One can add scented oils and spices to get that soothing smell, while providing the heat massage using the heat pad. The main advantage of using this type of heat pad is that it can be customized to fit the area where the heat needs to be applied. One of the main disadvantages of using this type of head heating pad is that one has to have a microwave oven in their place. Another issue with this type of heat pad is the formation of molds, when they are exposed to wet conditions.

 

 

Air activated head pad

 This heat pad contains charcoal, salt and iron powder in it. Once the heat pad is opened, the air from the atmosphere reacts with the Iron powder and the heating starts to happen. Within 30 minutes the pad gets heated to the required temperature. Charcoal and salt act as catalysts to quicken the heating process. The advantage of using this type is that it doesn’t require any external heating device. The heat produced is distributed evenly across the pad. Disadvantage is the cost associated with regularly using Charcoal, salt and Iron powder to heat the pad. If already used charcoal and Iron power are used, the heating efficiency gets reduced and it would take double the time for the heating pad to reach the required temperature.

 Electric heating pads

 This type uses electric current to heat up the pad. The main advantage of using this type of pad is that it ensures uniform heat distribution to the different sections of the heat pad. Disadvantage lies with the danger of being exposed to electric shocks. Also this type of pad cannot be used while sleeping and also with wet covers.

 Moist heat pads

 In moist heat pad, the heat transfer to the required body part happens through the moisture present in these pads. In other types, the heat transfer happens through the dry heat generated. This type of pad is usually used by physiotherapists on a larger area of the body such as the neck and the spine. The advantage of using this type of pad is increased blood circulation caused by the moist heat. Deep moist heat is much more effective than the electric heat or the dry heat. But the main disadvantage is that it has to be done in a monitored environment under the supervision of a therapist. One may not be able to use this in their homes.

In addition to these heating pads, there are other types such as the sodium acetate pads that are available in the market place. Based on your therapist advice, one can get a heat pad and start applying it to get immediate relief.