Electric Heating Pads
An electric heating pad is often used for joint and muscle pain. An electric pad has a series of electrical wires that are contained by a flame retardant plastic pouch. The wires are connected to a small box on the outside that serves as a thermostat and has an electrical plug extending from it. Put the fabric cover over the pouch to keep from burning the skin. When you plug the pad in, the wires heat up to the desired temperature. When the heating pad is placed on an area of muscle or joint pain, the heat emitted relaxes the tense area and soothes the pain.
Wet Heating Pad
A wet heating pad is used mainly in physical therapy and is made up of the same series of electrical wires as an electric heating pad. In a wet heating pad, there is one additional item. A moistened, sponge-like liner delivers moist heat used for deep tissue treatments. Wet heating pads are available for home use, but they must never be left unattended as they may catch fire if left on too long.
Water Bottles
The oldest form of heating pad is the hot water bottle. This is made of a rubbery material with a stopper over a hole in one end to add hot water to the bottle. Place a towel over the pad and put the water bottle on the painful area. The heat will gradually dissipate and you may need to refill the bottle with hot water again.
