5 Sizzling Issues About Using Hot Stone Therapy to Treat Sports Injuries By Chris Turley At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

The heat is on! That is what happens when we avail of heat therapy, such as hot stone therapy. Enjoying a hot stone massage remains one of the most effective ways of using heat, for the function of treating ailments. The heated stones provide a soothing, relaxing sensation. However, by understanding when and how we should use heat therapy after injuries, we can better appreciate hot stone massages:

1. You should not use heat therapy in certain situations

Sometimes cold stone massages are more advisable than hot stone massages. In the case that a patient’s muscles are sore or the muscle tissue has become damaged, cold stone massages are a better option. That is because the heat could actually worsen the soreness or tissue damage.

Additionally, several other specific cases related to injuries exist, when heat therapy to not advisable. These include:

• acute phase of the injury

• circulation problems

• deep vein thrombosis

• heat injury

• hyper-heat sensitivity

• hypo-heat sensitivity

• infections

• malignant tumors

• sensory changes

2. Sometimes ice therapy is better method to treat injuries

Certain cases exist when ice is a superior way to treat injuries, than heat therapy is. Ice is actually a better type of treatment than heat is, after acute injuries. That is because it makes blood vessels slimmer. Furthermore, ice treatments minimize internal bleeding at the region where the injury occurred. Also, cold therapy is particularly helpful when a patient suffers from chronic pain or injuries involving overuse.

3. We should use heat therapy at the right times

After late stages of acute injuries and after chronic injuries, we can use various types of heat therapy, such as hot stone massages. An acute injury is short-term, but is quite severe. Meanwhile, a chronic injury is one that usually lasts for a long time, and typically is related to situations involving biomechanics and overusing our muscles. Finally, we can use hot stone massages prior to performing exercises. However, we should not avail of them after completing our exercises.

4. A variety of heat therapy methods exist

Several types of heat therapy methods can become effective, when treating injuries. These include:

• heat pack

• heat rubs

• towels (warm and damp)

• warm baths

It is important to use the proper methods when applying these various items, to an injury.

5. Cold stone massage and hot stone massages can treat injuries

Hot stone massages and cold stone massages can also treat injuries effectively. Hot stone massages involve heated stones that the therapist places at different parts of the patient’s body. These massages have various benefits, including increased blood circulation, a lower heart rate, and relaxed muscles.

While heat therapy is not new, today it continues to benefit people who have suffered injuries after being active in sports or exercising. Methods such as hot stone massages can significantly improve the health of the patient, through various means. Such massages help to relax the patient. Heated stones can make a sport out of sports injuries!

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