Paraffin therapy is one of the most effective ways to apply deep heat to relieve pain and stiffness in joints and muscles.  Warm paraffin also moisturizes for healthier, softer looking skin.  This guide will give you basic information on how paraffin therapy works, and who can benefit from it.

How Paraffin Therapy Works 

Using paraffin heat therapy is very easy.  You just melt paraffin wax in a special warming unit called a bath.  The bath will heat the wax to a liquid that is the optimal temperature for heat therapy.  Once the wax is melted, just dip your hand, foot or elbow into the warm liquid.  As the wax cools, it will quickly turn into a comforting paraffin coating that will transfer soothing heat to your affected limb.  Warm paraffin also moisturizes, for healthier looking, softer skin.

Paraffin wax has the ability to absorb and retain a great deal of heat.  This makes it an effective, safe, fast-acting, drug-free method of providing heat therapy.  It can be used for many different applications, ranging from arthritis joint pain relief to salon-style manicures and pedicures.

Who Can Benefit from Paraffin Therapy?  

Paraffin heat therapy can be beneficial in many different situations.  People with arthritis can enjoy substantial relief of stiff, aching joints.  Athletes, fitness buffs, and others whose job or lifestyle causes muscle aches and pains can also benefit.  You can also use paraffin for salon-style manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages in the comfort and privacy of your own home.  Paraffin therapy can be used in homes, offices, clinics, hospitals, and spas.  Benefits include:

• Soothes chronic arthritis joint pain
• Relaxes stiff muscles
• Use in therapeutic massage
• Use prior to therapeutic exercise
• Use during physical and occupational therapy
• Increases range of motion
• Relieves dryness from repeated hand-washing
• Soothes tired, overworked hands
• Moisturizes very dry skin
• Use for salon-style manicures, pedicures and facials

Buying a Paraffin Bath System  

There are several factors to consider when selecting a paraffin heat therapy system.  Make sure the unit you buy has the following features:

• An automatic temperature control - This ensures the wax will always be at a safe, effective temperature.
• Triple-filtered paraffin - The most pure, clean and fresh-smelling wax available.
• An oval dipping bowl - This is the most comfortable shape for dipping hands, feet and elbows.
• Insulation - Keeps all surfaces cool to the touch.
• CE Mark and CETL Listing - This ensures the unit has been tested for safe, reliable operation.
• A generous warranty - The most reliable units have a lifetime warranty.

Other factors to consider are the size of the dipping bowl, and the amount of wax included.  Our favorite is the Therabath Pro system.  It has a large inner dipping bowl, yet is compact enough to fit on a counter top.  It comes with 6 pounds of unscented wax, so you can use it as is, or add essential oils to create the perfect scent for you. 

Summary  

We hope this guide has provided you with the basic information you need to understand the benefits of paraffin wax therapy, and to decide if it is right for you.  We have seen a great many people enjoy relief from aches, pains and stiffness as a result of this therapy, and truly hope this information can help someone else do the same!

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 Copyright 8/22/2006, Affordable Med Supplies, Inc.  All rights reserved.  The contents of this work shall not be used, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of Affordable Med Supplies, Inc.