How Hot Compress for Pain is Used

Millions of people worldwide use a hot compress to relieve different kinds of aches and pains. About half of these people have no idea how to use it properly. How long are you supposed to leave a hot compress on? How hot is too hot?

How to prepare a hot compress

• Use a clean and absorbent cloth, such as a fresh towel.
• Soak in warm water (not boiling water!) for a few seconds.
• Squeeze to minimize dripping without totally wringing out all the water.
• Fold to achieve an ideal size based on the affected body part. It should cover enough surface area on the affected part to effectively relieve pain.

Many hot packs are also available in the market. They are easy to use but potentially carry the risk of burns, especially if they are overheated and not tested properly before use.

What happens when a hot compress is too hot

A hot compress should not be too hot that it scalds your skin. It should be comfortably warm, just enough to bring you comfort. If a compress is too hot, it can cause burns or erythema ab igne.

Burns can cause more pain and swelling; a second degree burn can even cause blistering of the skin and potential infection. Erythema ab igne, on the other hand, results in a marbled appearance of the skin due to heat insufficient to cause burns but still enough to cause tissue damage.

Compresses are usually used for 5 to 15 minutes every two hours. Some health practitioners will recommend continuous use of hot compresses as needed, but this can compromise the integrity of the skin.

When to use hot compresses

Hot compresses are effective in alleviating inflammation, especially after the first 24 hours. The warmth helps dilate blood vessels, making nutrient transport more efficient. Toxins are also cleared more effectively because of the increased caliber of the blood vessels.

During the first 24 hours, a cold compress is used. The low temperature constricts blood vessels, decreasing the seepage of inflammatory chemicals and water from vessels into tissues. This helps stop swelling and inflammation. One day after the initial insult, a hot compress is instituted.

Using a cold compress compress can also help relieve pain. Learn more about cold compresses and pain relief.

Hot Compress: Less Inflammation Means Less Pain

A hot compress can help alleviate pain by interfering with pain signals. But it plays another long-term effect that helps guarantee that pain won’t come back.

Using a hot compress provides comfort from pain by interfering with pain stimuli. Aside from blocking pain signals, a hot compress also plays a role in inflammation, further potentiating the natural pain relief it initially provides.

 

Why does inflammation occur?

Inflammation is supposed to be a good thing. The body mounts this reaction after an injury to help the injured tissues heal and recuperate. It helps you fight injury by doing the following:

• Inflammation brings about changes that help expedite tissue repair.
• It alerts a person that a certain body part has been injured and needs attention.

 

How does inflammation cause pain?

Inflammation consists of several changes that may worsen pain:

• When a tissue gets inflamed, fluid seeps out from the blood into the tissues. This phenomenon is called edema (swelling). The extra fluid occupies space and exerts pressure on nerve endings, resulting in pain.
• When a tissue is inflamed, substances such as prostaglandins and bradykinins are also released. Sadly, these substances activate nerve endings and result in pain.
• Because inflammation activates nerves to help remind a person that the injured part requires extra care and attention, pain is almost always a manifestation of inflammation.

 

Is inflammation always a good thing?

Although pain and inflammation play a protective role, they can bring about much discomfort. Pain may become intolerable and, if excessive or inappropriate, may be detrimental to one’s quality of life.

 

How can a hot compress reduce inflammation?

Using a hot compress works best 24 hours after an injury. During the first 24 hours, a cold compress is more appropriate. (Read about how a cold compress relieves pain).

A hot compress reduces inflammation through the following mechanisms:

• A hot compress dilates blood vessels to promote draining of inflammatory products and wastes from the injured tissues. Inflammatory cytokines are transported away from the area more effectively.
• Fluid from the swollen tissues goes back into the blood vessels easily if the blood vessels are dilated. Swelling is reduced, relieving pressure on the nerves.

Although hot compresses are quite useful in reducing pain and inflammation, improper use may lead to burns, compression, and erythema ab igne. Find out more on how to use a hot compress.

Sources:

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Fedorczyk J. The role of physical agents in modulating pain. J Hand Ther. Apr-Jun 1997;10(2):110-21.

Lehman JF, De Lateur BJ. Cryotherapy. In: Therapeutic Heat and Cold. 4^th ed. Baltimore, Md: Williams & Wilkins; 1990:590-632.

Helfand AE, Bruno J. Therapeutic modalities and procedures. Part I: cold and heat. Clin Podiatry. Aug 1984;1(2):301-13. [Medline].

Chapman BL, Liebert RB, Lininger MR, et al. An introduction to physical therapy modalities. Adolesc Med State Art Rev. May 2007;18(1):11-23, vii-viii. [Medline].