Heat

Heat as a treatment modality has limited use. Heat will increase blood flow, bleeding, and swelling. During the acute phase of an injury or post-surgery, heat will actually cause pain and swelling to increase and can further damage tissue. The only time heat should be used is to “warm up” tissue and muscle prior to exercise or physical therapy. This improves blood flow. If heat is used, it should always be followed by ice after the planned activity in between.

Moist heat treatment is the best and is performed using hot packs or with a therapeutic hot tub. Electric heating pads should be avoided since it is dry heat and has a higher potential to cause severe burns. Other forms of heat therapy are available through physical therapy but require a prescription in most cases.

Heat can treat the following conditions:

Spondylolisthesis