Latest news with #heattherapy
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Super relaxing vacation activity can lower your blood pressure and boost your immune system: study
The single greatest thing that you can do to not only live longer but also age well is exercise. But, let's face it — people are lazy. 'We always say that exercise is the primary nonpharmacological treatment that people should be doing to promote health, but some people can't or just won't exercise,' Jessica Atencio, a doctoral student in the lab of University of Oregon professor Christopher Minson, said in a statement. Luckily for us couch potatoes, there's a much more enjoyable activity that Atencio described as 'good supplementation' to working out. If you're staying at a hotel that has a sauna, a hot tub or the increasingly trendy infrared sauna — chances are you're way more likely to be spending your time there than at the gym, especially if you're on vacation. And, according to Atencio's study in the American Journal of Physiology, that's a very good thing. All three types of heat therapy — the use of elevated temperatures to stimulate physiological responses — are said to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and support immune function, but the research has been limited. Moreover, no one has set out to determine which of these three offers the most health benefits. 'We compared the most commonly utilized modalities of passive heating as they're used in everyday life and studied in scientific research,' Atencio said. 'No studies have compared the acute responses between the three.' To answer this question, Atencio and her team compared the effects of soaking in a hot tub versus shvitzing in a traditional sauna or relaxing in an infrared one on 20 healthy men and women. The winner? Pop the champagne for bubbles. 'We saw that hot water immersion was the most impactful in increasing core body temperature, which is the main stimulus for these subsequent responses,' Atencio said. 'Increasing body temperature causes an increase in blood flow, and just the force of blood moving across your vessels is beneficial for your vascular health.' While it might surprise you that 'hot tub' was the answer, the scientists were unfazed. 'Hot water immersion gives you the most robust changes in core temperature because you can't effectively dissipate heat as you can if you have contact with the air and you're sweating to cool the body,' Atencio explained. 'When you're submerged in water, the sweat mechanisms aren't efficient.' As with exercise, you need to hit up the hot tub on a regular basis — and not push yourself past your limits — to really reap the long-term benefits. 'There's no doubt in my mind that if people are willing to do some heat therapy, it's going to align with improved health, as long as it's done in moderation,' Minson said. 'If you repeat these stresses over time, our lab and many others have shown that they are consistent with improved health,' he added. And if you can grab a few friends to join you — or meditate while you're having a solo soak — even better. 'It can be a very peaceful, sometimes religious, sometimes cultural and sometimes social experience,' Minson said. 'And I think those aspects contribute to the health benefits and are critically important.'
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ease your aches with the best heating pad — our top (tested) pick of 2025 costs just $35
Struggling with constant aches? Rather than heading straight for those pain meds, consider a heating pad. Heat therapy is a simple, low-risk option that's been used for years to ease everything from sore muscles to menstrual cramps. It works by increasing blood flow and circulation to targeted areas, which helps relax muscles, reduce stiffness and ease pain. It can be especially helpful for chronic discomfort or post-workout soreness. Plus, the comforting warmth may lower stress levels — a bonus when pain starts interfering with daily life."Heat therapy is a very popular and effective method for managing acute and chronic pain, musculoskeletal injuries and even menstrual cramps," explains Dr. Simran Malhotra, a board-certified physician and founder of Wellness By Lifestyle MD. "It works through increasing blood flow and circulation to the area, relaxing muscles, reducing stiffness and altering our pain receptors. Heat therapy can [also] reduce stress by relaxing the body, which ultimately may improve sleep and quality of life." Plus, unlike many other pain treatments, heating pads provide relief with minimal risk of serious side Elizabeth C. Gardner, orthopedic surgeon and head team physician for Yale Athletics, recommends heat therapy before workouts, as it can reduce muscle stiffness and improve options from simple rice packs to advanced infrared devices, there's a heating pad for every need. Electric versions offer adjustable temperatures and come in different sizes, while infrared ones are typically more costly but may offer deeper relief for severe help narrow things down, we spoke to four experts, researched over 20 brands and tested 13 products. Here are our top picks of the best heating pads for 2025. Best overall heating pad More heating pads we like in 2025 Types of heating pads Factors to consider when purchasing a heating pad How we chose FAQs Other products we tested Best heating pad specs comparison chart Meet our experts Update, 13 June 2025: We checked all prices and availability. Our pick for the best heating pad remains unchanged. (back to top) (back to top) You'll find a wide array of options designed for different needs, preferences and types of relief. Here's a breakdown of the main types: Electric: As the name implies, electric heating pads use electricity to heat. Most have to be plugged into a power source, though some are cordless and use rechargeable batteries. Chiropractor and osteopath Liza Egbogah, BSc, DC, DOMP says: "I typically recommend an electric heating pad since you can set them to the level of heat required. The heating with electric heating pads is also more evenly distributed." They come in various sizes and shapes, including blankets and wraps, and typically allow you to adjust the temperature. Some include built-in massagers. Microwavable: From old-school hot water bottles to snuggly stuffed animals, microwavable heating pads are convenient because they don't require an outlet. These heating pads are typically filled with rice, seeds or clay beans, which become hot when microwaved. Some pads also include, or allow you to add, essential oils "for a spa-like experience," explains Egbogah. Remember that these products can cool down relatively quickly and may not distribute heat as evenly compared to other types of pads. Chemical (single-use): Single-use heating pads are known as chemical heating pads because they use a chemical reaction to create dry heat. These products don't require a power source and can be easily taken on the go, making them a convenient and travel-friendly heating option. They come in various sizes and shapes based on intended use and placement. While some products are marketed as offering up to eight hours of relief, others are much more short-lasting. These patches also get mixed reviews on heat intensity. Gels: Gel packs contain a gel and water combination that can be heated or cooled, making them a handy 2-in-1 pain treatment option. They're a favorite of Gardner, who notes, "Gel pads are great because they can nicely conform to the shape of your body, often better than an electric pad. They are also cheap and convenient." Infrared: As explained by Gardener, infrared heating pads use infrared lights to penetrate deep under the skin and improve blood flow in the targeted area, making them a good option for severe pain. These products have been shown to help reduce inflammation and aid in muscle recovery. While pricey, some prefer these heating pads because they don't get as hot as electric options and have a lower risk of burns. Still, because most products cost over $200, infrared heating pads aren't the most economical. Gardner also adds, "[Infrared pads] typically require a flat surface for ideal use and don't easily conform to the shape of your body." (back to top) Choosing the right heating pad can make a big difference in comfort and effectiveness, but it's essential to think about what you need most in a heating pad. Here's a look at key factors to consider: Intended use: The most important factors to consider are the type and location of the pain as these will help you decide the type and size of heating pad to choose. For example, a contouring microwavable neck wrap might be your best option if you have neck pain, whereas chronic back pain may benefit from a wearable electric pad. Temperature settings: Many electric and infrared heating pads offer temperature control, a feature that all our experts agree is worth the money from a comfort and safety perspective. Safety features: If you're looking for an electric or infrared heating pad, you'll also want to consider whether a product offers certain safety features. According to Gardener, "When purchasing a heating pad, it's important to ensure that it has either automatic shutoff or a timer." These features can help minimize the risk of burns and the pad starting a fire. Dry vs. moist heat: Heating pads vary in the type of heat they provide. Dry heat products, such as chemical (single-use) packets and many electric heating pads, generally heat up quickly and are easy to use. Many people also like dry heat for its immediate relief. However, moist-heat products take longer to heat and typically don't last as long. However, it's thought that moist heat penetrates deeper into the skin for longer-lasting relief. In addition to gel packs, you can purchase microwavable and electric moist heat packs and wraps. Cover material: Many heating pads have covers to protect your skin from direct contact with the heat source. Because you'll be using your pad often, you'll want to choose one that feels soft and won't irritate your skin. According to Nelin Krull, MS, physiotherapist and co-owner of Myofascial Release Mississauga, a removable and washable cover is also helpful for keeping your heating pad in good shape for long-term use. Additional features: Are you OK with being tethered to an outlet if it means having adjustable temperature settings? Or do you prefer an on-the-go option with a machine-washable cover? Whether you want a cordless option is an important consideration that will help narrow down your selection. You'll also want to consider whether other features, such as built-in massagers, dual heat and cold capabilities or timers, are worth paying more for. Price: Heat therapy products vary in price depending on their size, type, material and special features. Keep in mind that some products can be purchased using a Flexible or Health Savings Account (FSA or HSA). (back to top) With countless heating pad options on the market, we talked to chiropractors, osteopaths, physicians and physiotherapists to learn what to look for and better understand the various options. We then scoured hundreds of online reviews and talked with friends and families to determine which brands and products should be on our radar. Using this information, we selected 13 heating pads to test. During testing, pads were used multiple times and for at least 30 minutes a pop for three weeks. The writer, Kelli McGrane, is a registered dietitian, wellness journalist and busy working mom. Growing up playing sports and skiing, she's no stranger to heating pads and has relied on them for years to help soothe achy legs and inflamed IT bands. More recently, after two pregnancies in three years and now two energetic toddlers to carry and chase around, McGrane's neck and back were more than ready for some TLC in the form of heat therapy. (back to top) It's recommended to limit heating pad use to 15 or 20 minutes at a time. Because of safety concerns, you should never fall asleep with a heating pad. Sleeping with a heating pad, especially if it doesn't have an automatic turn-off feature, could burn your skin. Additionally, electric heating blankets can start a fire when left unattended and improperly shut down and stored. Compared to dry heat, moist heat penetrates into deep muscle tissue faster. It can help relax tight muscles and reduce inflammation. As a result, moist heat is particularly effective for reducing pain, including muscle soreness after exercise and improving mobility. Many products have removable covers that can be machine-washed and tumble-dried on low; follow the manufacturer's directions. Important: Make sure to shut off an electric heating pad and unplug the connector before removing the cover. Heating pads may not be safe for those with open wounds, neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease and certain heart issues. Some skin conditions, like eczema, may worsen with exposure to dry heat. If you have a medical condition, talk to a health care provider to determine whether heat therapy is safe and appropriate. (back to top) Geniani King Size Heating Pad: This model was a close contender for our best overall pick, nearly tying with Pure Enrichment's Pure Relief pad. Like the Pure Relief, this electric pad from Geniani features a soft, oversize design ideal for multiple body areas, and it's similarly priced with a user-friendly remote. Ultimately, the deciding factor was the number of heat settings, with Geniani offering only three levels compared to Pure Enrichment's six. Healthyline Portable Heated Gemstone Pad: This infrared belt isn't cheap, but if you like the idea of gemstone therapy paired with infrared, it's worth the splurge. It can be plugged into an outlet or connected to a rechargeable power source for freedom of movement. After just one use, I could feel less tension in my lower back, with relief that lasted longer than other heating pads I tried. If it weren't for the high cost, it would've been my pick as the best for low back pain. Yeamon Portable Cordless Heating Pad: This is a portable electric heating pad designed to ease menstrual and lower back pains. While we found it effective in providing targeted heat, the Slimpal was overall more comfortable, and we found the Yeamon's vibration settings to be a bit too intense and not as helpful. SuzziPad Microwavable Heating Pad: The SuzziPad is a flexible microwavable heating pad with a double-sided fabric design for added comfort and heat retention. While we liked how well the pad contoured to the body, its shorter length made it harder to wrap around our tester's neck without falling off. Hyperice Venom 2: Designed to be worn around your lower back, the Hyperice Venom pairs advanced heat technology with vibration to help reduce muscle tension and knots. According to tester Laura Williams, "It's a good, high-quality, well-made and effective device that does what it says it will do. But its price is high, and even knowing it's a good device, I wonder if there aren't similar items that are less expensive that could do the job almost as well." (back to top) Dimensions Corded/cordless # of heat settings Auto shutoff Special features Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad 24 inches x 12 inches Corded 6 Yes LCD controller, microplush fabric, storage bag SunnyBay Extra Long Neck Heat Wrap 26 inches x 5 inches Cordless Heat intensity varies by microwave time No Dual hot and cold functionality, weighted for extra compression Healthyline Gemstone Heat Therapy Tao Mat 18 inches x 18 inches Corded Temperatures up to 160°F Yes Natural gemstones, LED display controller, timer, deep penetrating far infrared rays therapy, available in other sizes and shapes Sunbeam Heating Pad Back Wrap 23 inches x 15 inches Corded 4 Yes Wearable, contoured to the shape of the back, machine washable pad, dual hot and cold functionality Pure Enrichment PureRadience Back and Neck Luxury Heating Pad 31.5 inches x 24 inches Corded 6 Yes Faux fur full back wrap, included storage bag, LED controller Slimpal Heating Pad for Period Cramps 7.48 inches x 3.35 inches Cordless 4 No Portable cordless design, three vibration settings, curved ThermaCare Joint Pain Therapy Pain Relief Patches Unknown Cordless N/A No Disposable, portable, patches available for other uses and sites (back to top) Liza Egbogah, BSc, DC, DOMP, chiropractor and osteopath Elizabeth C. Gardner MD, YSM orthopedic surgeon and head team physician for Yale Athletics Nelin Krull MS, physiotherapist and co-owner of Myofascial Release Mississauga Dr. Simran Malhotra, a board-certified physician and founder of Wellness By Lifestyle MD (back to top) Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Vogue
16-05-2025
- Health
- Vogue
The Best Infrared Sauna Blankets for Improved Recovery—And Full-Body Detox
Infrared sauna blankets offer a type of heat therapy, which is generally thought to offer a number of benefits. 'In addition to warming the body/increasing core temperature, infrared sauna blankets can also help to stimulate tissue, contributing to improved blood and oxygen flow and increased muscle relaxation. Infrared sauna blankets may also activate cellular processes and activity, such as protein synthesis, detoxification, and/or immune responses from white blood cells,' says Dr. Connor. That said, there is still very limited research about these blankets and their efficacy. In theory, the benefits should be similar to other forms of heat therapy, however, there isn't currently enough evidence to know for sure. 'It's very subjective, and everyone who does this has to try the blanket and see if it's working for them,' says Darshan Shah, MD, a health and wellness specialist and board-certified surgeon. 'Some people can have no benefit, and some people can can see benefits, and it just depends how each individual reacts to it, because we don't have large scale studies for red blankets, there's no way to know for sure how many people it's helping as far as longevity.' Still, if you are using the sauna blanket safely (considering time, temperature, proper hydration, consulting with your doctor before, listening to your body) and you feel good after using it, then it can be a great addition to any wellness routine. Just know that researchers are still determining their true health potential.
