The application of heat is one of the oldest prescription used to treat health problems and traumatic injuries sustained during physical activity or exercise. Heat not only provides pain relief but also holds healing qualities.

A heat prescription can be performed in a variety of ways. Moist heat can be provided from a water pack or a whirlpool. Dry heat can be generated by special lamps or simply from the use of your stove. Heat can also be provided in a vaporised form, for example, in a sauna.

The application of heat speeds up and improves your circulation. It encourages the movement of body fluids throughout your body which prevents unnecessary water retention. Exercise increases the body's heat level. Similarly, the application of heat improves your metabolic rate, speeds up healing if tissues have been damaged and reduces the aches and pain of sore muscles.

Heat improves blood circulation in general. However, where poor circulation develops over time especially due to ageing and a sedentary lifestyle, capillary circulation improves considerably. Increased circulation improves your biochemical activities and metabolism. The overall improvement helps to diminish congestion of body fluids, the pooling of blood and also alleviates pain sensations.

Heated water is one of the most widely used therapeutic modality that simulates the benefits of physical exercise as well as the management of insults to body tissues sustained during physical activity.

Varieties of heat applications

There is a wide variety of heat applications from which you can choose:

Moist heat packs involve the use of a heated medium applied to the body surface or on top of layers of cloth to prevent burning.

Immersion baths provide the opportunity to soak your body in hot water. The inclusion of mild exercises in this medium is extremely beneficial to persons who suffer from arthritis, stiff joints and muscles, poor circulation and general aches and pain.

A whirlpool bath is more difficult to come by however, it provides us with a combination therapy of a massaging action and warm bath.

Take some precautions

There are some precautions relating to the use of heat:

You should not, for example, apply heat to any body part where there is a loss of sensation.

If you have sustained an injury, heat should not be applied immediately after the injury.

If there is a decrease in circulation, the application heat should be avoided.

Your eyes and genital areas can tolerate warmth but they should be spared the use of heat.

As you age and experience a decline in flexibility and agility, the inclusion of heat therapy and heat treatment will be even more appreciated.

Dr Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at Holiday Hills Research Center; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.