Non Drug Treatments for Pain Relief

Moist Heat

Heat is the application of warmth to the skin for the relief of pain. One method of applying heat is to use of a heat pad that supplies moisture.

How Heat Helps:

Heat can relieve pain by improving circulation to the muscles, which decreases spasms, and by reducing inflammation. Heat also decreases sensitivity to pain, relieves joint stiffness and increases blood flow to the skin. Moisture with heat may provide a means of getting heat below the skin surface.

Special Considerations And Precautions:

Use heat with caution when feeling to an area is decreased or there is any other irritation to the skin surface.

Do not apply to:

 Skin being treated with radiation therapy

 Any area that is bleeding

 A painful area that has been injured

 Do not use this method if oxygen is being used.

 Do not use heat while sleeping.

Equipment:

Herbal comfort packs are easy and safe to use. Just follow these easy care instructions. Store a comfort pack in the freezer all the time. That way you always have one ready for cold therapy in case of injury or need. It only takes an little longer in the microwave and it is hot and ready for comforting heat therapy. With two you can alternate hot and cold therapy.

Instructions for Heat Therapy:

Heat on high in microwave for 2 to 2 ½ minutes. If you do not have a turntable, flip the Herb Pac over halfway through heating to prevent hot spots.

For moist heat, mist with water before heating. Misting also helps to increase the life of the herbs.

Never heat more than 3 minutes at one time to prevent over-heating. To reheat the Herb Pac, heat on high for only 1 to 1 ½ minutes to avoid overheating.

The Herb Pac will retain its heat for approximately 45 minutes.

For use in oven: Heat oven to 400 degrees. Wrap the Herb Pac in foil and heat for 15-20 minutes.

Instructions for Cold Therapy:

Place in a plastic bag and put in freezer for 1 to 2 hours for a comfortable, convenient Cold Pac.

Care Instructions:

Do Not Wash any of the pillows

Some of the pillows have a removable cover which may be washed

Store in a dry cool place

A cleanser such as Fabreeze may be used as needed

Not intended for use on the face of infants or small children

Note:

Always use caution when applying to sensitive parts of the body.

For storage, place the Herb Pac in a plastic bag in the freezer

Directions: 

If an area is too painful to have the moist heat / heating pad directly on it, you can place the pad on the other side of the body that corresponds to the painful area. For example, if your right hip is too painful for the pad, put the pad on the left hip.

Keep the moist heat/heating pad on for as long as possible to get relief, usually 20-30 minutes.

You may alternate heat and cold to improve comfort (Refer to handouts on Cold Methods). You may have to try either heat or cold several times to find the correct area or temperature that gives you the most relief.

Check your skin frequently to prevent possibility of overheating, or swelling of the affected area.

You may use the moist heat pad three or four times a day. Try to use this method before the pain becomes severe.

Record the heat method and how it works in your Pain Management Log.

Moist heat / heating pads are not intended to replace your pain medicine.

They work with your pain medicine to help you get better pain relief.

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