something I learned about heating pads

August 1, 2005

I know alot of us use heating pads. In fact mine is my best buddy and I just

bought an upgraded model that turns itself off after having a nasty burn and

blister a few weeks ago from falling asleep witht the thing on high.

Anyway a nurse in the er saw the place on my back and asked me what

happened. When I told her she said that you should only use a heating pad or ice

for

15 min. at a time then rest for about 30 min. then go back for 15 min. Use it

only in 15 min. increments. She said that it does it's job in 15 min. by

bringing the blood to the surface and dialiting or shrinking the blood vessels

and

after that 15 min. it actually can make the pain worsen. Has anybody else ever

heard this?

Angie in SC

" The happiest of people don't necessarily have the

best of everything; they just make the best of everything that comes along

their way. "

August 2, 2005

I was taught in nursing school that 15-20 min is the max for heating

pads, warm compresses as well as ice or cold packs. The way my

instructor explained to me is that you derive maximum benefit during

that length of time and any extra time is pointless as the body has

accomodated for the temp change and you increase your risk of burns.

You can repeat treatment after 30 minutes. I don't remember being

taught that longer than 20 min could increase your pain.

Hope this helps

Toni

August 2, 2005