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Likewise, what are heating pads used for?
A heating pad is a pad used for warming of parts of the body in order to manage pain. Localized application of heat causes the blood vessels in that area to dilate, enhancing perfusion to the targeted tissue. Types of heating pads include electrical, chemical and hot water bottles.
Also question is, how long should you lay on a heating pad?
Always keep a thin layer of fabric or other material between your skin and the heating element to reduce the chance of burns. Apply it to the painful area for no longer than 20 minutes for best results.
Heat therapy. Applying heat to an inflamed area will dilate the blood vessels, promote blood flow, and help sore and tightened muscles relax. Heat therapy is usually more effective than cold at treating chronic muscle pain or sore joints caused by arthritis.