Benefits of Moist Heat for Athletic Recovery
Heat therapy can be broken into two categories: dry heat and moist heat.
Dry heat therapy includes:
- Heating pads
- Heat wraps
- Heat lamps
Moist heat therapy includes:
- Moist Heat Packs
- Warm bath
- Sauna
- Warm damp towels
Three Benefits of Moist Heat
- Moist Heat penetrates deep inside the muscle tissue without losing temperature. This eases stiff muscles better without dehydrating the skin. Deep temperatures that reach muscle tissue helps the body’s capacity to change the tissue temperature.
- Increases Blood Flow to the Targeted Area. Good circulation helps to bring fresh blood into the muscle, allowing a faster recovery. It also takes away toxins in the blood that slow down the recovery process.
- Rapid Results.
Patients who use a neck and shoulder heat wraps attest that it is five times more soothing to their stiff neck as opposed to a bath or spa. Relief is almost instant when it comes to moist heat. This is why most doctors recommend a heated neck and shoulder wrap for strained shoulder and neck muscles.
