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Deep Heat vs Heat Packs for Pain Relief – The Truth!

Deep Heat vs Heat Packs for Pain Relief – The Truth!

deep heat pain heat packHave you ever wondered how deep heat works? Whether deep heat or heat packs are the best option? This is the blog for you. You may also be interested in our blog titled Ice or Heat for Pain and Injuries.

It is well known that heat can enhance healing, provide a feeling of well-being and relieve pain. The physiotherapists at My Physio Perth are commonly asked whether deep heat or a heat pack will prove more beneficial. The answer is relatively simple but there are a few variables to be accounted for. First let’s explain the physiological effect of the two modalities, i.e. what do they actually do to the body?

How a Heat Pack Works

Heat packs come in many shapes and sizes, with wheat bags that are heated in the microwave and hot water bottles being the most common. Both involve a hot object being placed against the skin so that heat is conducted away from the source and absorbed into the body. The net result is an increase in local soft tissue temperature up to a few centimeters deep.

How Deep Heat Works

Many companies manufacture creams and gels that fit under the category of ‘deep heat’. I’m sure you’ve heard of Tiger Balm, Deep Heat, Dencorub, etc. They consist of various chemicals and ‘natural’ ingredients in varying quantities. The cream or gel is applied locally to the affected area and massaged into the skin. There is a common misbelief that these creams and gels magically increase soft tissue temperature in a similar fashion to heat packs. This is not the case as there is no physical heat source to be absorbed by the body! They do however contain a chemical irritant such as capsaicin, which trigger the ‘heat nerves’ in the skin in a similar fashion to chilies on your tongue. This can be labeled as a ‘neurological distraction’ as the area feels hot but in fact there is no increase in temperature.

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So should I use a heat pack or deep heat to relieve my pain?

Whether you apply a heat pack or deep heat cream, the affected area will ‘feel hot’. This is very effective in relieving pain as the brain will concentrate on the overpowering heat signals and forget about the pain temporarily. Therefore both options are great for pain relief.

When to use a heat pack vs deep heat for pain and injuries.

Heat Pack

As discussed, a heat pack will increase local soft tissue (including muscle) temperature up to a few centimeters deep. The increased temperature causes a widening of the blood vessals known as vasodilation to the muscles. In turn there is an increase in blood flow, which can be important for healing in semi-acute and chronic injuries. Heat packs may also assist in reducing muscle tension by relaxing nasty knots or trigger points.

It is important to note that an increase in blood blow in the acute or inflammatory stage of an injury will cause excessive bleeding and swelling and should therefore be avoided.

The feeling of heat and pain relief will last up to 15-20 minutes while the heat pack is in place and for a short period after the heat pack is removed.

Deep Heat Creams

Deep heat creams only irritate the skin and will not cause an increase in blood flow to the muscles. Therefore, you shouldn’t expect any added healing effects however you can be assured that the creams can be applied at any stage of injury without the risk of further damage. Deep heat creams are generally well tolerated and provide a fairly natural form of pain relief, which may last for an hour or two depending on the cream and the individual’s tolerance.

Have you considered Dry Needling as a form of treatment of muscle pain and tension?

SUMMARY

  • Heat packs and deep heat creams will both make the area feel hot and provide pain relief.
  • Heat packs increase local soft tissue temperature so should be used in semi-acute (after the first few days of an injury) and chronic injuries to assist with healing.
  • Deep heat creams do not increase soft tissue temperature so can be safely used at any stage of injury. Just don’t expect any added healing benefits.

16 Comments

  1. Peter Fewster on August 9, 2021 at 10:25 pm

    You give no instructions how to apply I presume the soft pad goes on the skin. Yes? The white plastic to the clothes and not exposing the adhesive strips. I ask, being an oldie (94). As I do not notice an heat coming from it. Mind regards Peter.

    • Jane Taylor on August 14, 2021 at 9:19 pm

      Peter if you are referring to the deep heat patches then you remove the clear plastic side which reveals an adhesive and you stick it to your skin in the required place like a bandaid.

  2. Dee Mann on August 15, 2021 at 7:51 pm

    Was is the best heat treatment for Bursitis…many thanks
    Do patches work

  3. Albert Veneran on August 28, 2021 at 7:46 am

    Can you use same heat patch moor than once.

  4. Jsb on November 13, 2021 at 1:27 am

    I’m not feeling any heat from the patch and I’ve had it on my tennis elbow for an hour now, have I wasted my money?

  5. Alex on February 10, 2022 at 9:22 am

    I’m bleeding out, the pad face onto my wound or away from the wound? Help quick please xxxx

    • Jay on January 28, 2023 at 1:18 pm

      You dead?

  6. […] Whether you apply a heat pack or deep heat cream, the affected area will ‘feel hot’. This is very effective in relieving pain as the brain will concentrate on the overpowering heat signals and forget about the pain temporarily. Therefore both options are great for pain relief. via […]

  7. […] Whether you apply a heat pack or deep heat cream, the affected area will ‘feel hot’. This is very effective in relieving pain as the brain will concentrate on the overpowering heat signals and forget about the pain temporarily. Therefore both options are great for pain relief. via […]

    • Helen Davison on May 25, 2022 at 6:19 pm

      Thank you. I found this really helpful.

  8. John Roberts on March 20, 2022 at 7:43 pm

    So I take it from this that if the heat rub does not feel hot when rubbed into the painful area (feet), but burns when rubbed anywhere else that isn’t painful (eg. neck), my pain is far greater than any effect heat rub can provide.

  9. JEAN MAHON on March 21, 2022 at 7:15 pm

    Hubby sprained his neck jumping and said its very painful this was 2 days ago, is it too late to apply a cold or hot pad.

    • Harold Boatman on June 19, 2023 at 1:17 am

      Yes

  10. Phyllis Allsopp on February 14, 2023 at 8:43 pm

    Can I use deep heat parches for an arthritis hip? I also have type 2 diabetes.

  11. Heat Pack on February 23, 2023 at 8:01 pm

    Get yourself heat packs that are reusable

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