Today there are many non-drug based remedies that help the body recover from injuries. Hot packs are special heating pads that are chemically engineered to produce heat when opened. These pads are compact in design and are typically used in emergency situations to assist with pain management.
Most hot packs contain sodium-acetate, which is a form of salt. This chemical is stored in a bag or container as a liquid. When the bag is engaged, a chemical reaction occurs, which causes the liquid to become a solid. This process produces heat within the bag. These can then be turned back into a liquid by boiling them in hot water. This makes them reusable therapeutic devices.
Many health care providers use heated pads to help relieve pain and tension in sore muscles. These hot packs come in many forms and can assist with injuries in the neck, arm, back, and legs. The pads are typically covered by cloth or plastic material to protect the skin from allergic reactions.
Most pharmacies offer a variety of hot packs. These can be used on a daily basis to help with long-term muscle cramps. Hot pads are an inexpensive therapeutic pain remedy that is better on the internal organs than typical pain medicine. These pads can be used in everyday circumstances, which make them a good choice for business professionals on the go.
Hikers and outdoor sportsman typically carry hot and cold packs for emergency purposes. These packs are small lightweight, packages that can be easily stored in an emergency safety kit. Hot packs have an additional benefit because they produce heat — they can be useful on cold weather expeditions.
Heated gloves and seat warmers have been available for a few decades. These products use the same engineering techniques as hot packs. Many avid motorcycle riders use heated pads in their gloves. This makes motorcycling more tolerable during the winter months.
Thermal hot packs come in many shapes and sizes. Most of them include adhesive strips that help secure the device to the injured area. A hot pack will typically work for a few hours before it begins to cool. During this time it is important to not overuse the injured area while a patient is feeling less pain.
Today there are also organic forms of heated pads available. These are typically made of corn or rice. An organic pad requires heating in a microwave, which generates external heat while it cools.