Heating pads are re-useable pads containing an electrical heating element that is plugged into a standard power plug. They are available in varying sizes and have removable covers to enable washing. Heat pads can be used to provide heat to specific areas of the body to aid healing and assist with temporary pain relief. There are both dry and moist heating pads available.
Moist heating pads come in two types, those that produce heat automatically by drawing moisture from humidity in the air and retaining it in the pads outer covering, or those that have water added to the pad for heating by an element. They come in a range of sizes, switch mechanisms, heat settings and models with either digital or analogue controls. Moist heat pads can assist with pain relief and promote healing for arthritic and rheumatic conditions or muscle soreness through promoting increased circulation to the area heated.
Dry heating pads are similar to the moist heating pad but supply a dry heat on controlled settings. Dry heat pads can be used for relief from sore muscles, pain or following overexertion. Most have removable covers to allow washing and are waterproof. Models come in a range of sizes and generally have set heat settings.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people experiencing pain and soreness as a result of injury or disability, heat pads may be medically recommended to provide temporary symptom relief. Although the heat pads require plugging into a power outlet, they are small in size and depending on area of soreness could in some situations be used whilst continuing to work. Safety considerations would need to be considered in each workplace related to the work role, work environment and area of soreness.
When dealing with pain and soreness in the workplace, the following links may be helpful:
References
Pain Management Technologies 2011, Automatic Moist Heating Pads, Pain Management Technologies, Inc., Ohio, viewed 20 May 2011, http://paintechnology.com/products.
Alzheimer Solutions (no date specified), Electric Heating Pad-Dry Heat, Alzheimer Solutions, Philadelphia, viewed 20 May 2011, http://alzheimersolutions.stores.yahoo.net/elheatpadhea.html.