Paraffin treatment is a relatively new trend in the health and wellness industry, but it has been used for decades by physical and occupational therapists, pain management specialists and various other medical professionals. A paraffin treatment consists of immersing a body part, usually the hand or foot, into a tub of hot paraffin wax. The purpose of the treatment is to surround the affected area with heat. Paraffin treatments can reduce joint pain and inflammation, relieve stiffness and moisturize the skin.
Stimulates Circulation
When heat is applied, blood vessels expand, stimulating circulation in the affected area. Increased circulation means an increase in healing nutrients and faster removal of waste products that cause inflammation and stiffness. The heat can reduce muscle spasms in the affected area and relax the muscles. When the muscles are relaxed, an increase in flexibility will occur. This is advantageous prior to therapeutic exercises designed to stretch and increase the range of motion of the troubled joints.
Moisturizes Skin
Many forms of heat therapy, such as hydrotherapy or moist heat, can dry the skin out. Warm paraffin, on the other hand, moisturizes the skin. Sweat from eccrine glands which open at the skin's surface and sebum from sebaceous glands which open into hair follicles increase, flushing dirt from pores. According to "Evaluation of Paraffin Bath Treatment in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis" by Lund University Hospital in Sweden, the result of a paraffin treatment is often softer and more elastic skin.
Relieves Pain and Increases Flexibility
Paraffin treatments relieve pain caused by bursitis, arthritis and joint inflammation. The heat application affects the peripheral nerve endings in a way that decreases pain. Paraffin treatments may be recommended after a fracture or dislocation, for sprains, for certain peripheral vascular diseases or prior to therapeutic exercise and massage. Since it increases range of motion of the joints, it can also help in cases when scar tissue from an injury is restricting range of motion.
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