Several types: Several types of heat therapy can help arthritic pain, simple therapy as using heating pads, or hot water soaking tub baths can be effective. Also for locallized arthritis of the hands, a parafin dip treatment can be effective. Newer heat treatments consisting of light therapy also are effective.
Answered 1/16/2012
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See below: Superficial heat in the form of hot packs can ease stiff painful joints and deeper heating modalities like ultrasound are also quite helpful for loosening up deeper tendons that may be tight and painful around a joint. It may also increase blood flow to the joint which can aid in healing. Heat therapy should not be done on an actively inflamed joint like a rheumatoid joint which will worsen it.
Answered 12/15/2014
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