What is it? The application of heat to hands through the use of paraffin. The hand is quickly immersed in heated liquid wax which surrounds the hands and fingers and then withdrawn so that the wax solidifies to form an insulating layer. It is allowed to dry for a few seconds and the hand is re-dipped up to 5 times creating an environment where the skin and joints can hold the heat. The hand is then wrapped in a plastic bag and cotton mittens which act as an insulating material for 30 minutes. The wax is then removed and a hand and forearm massage is performed.
Who should use it? Anyone with sore, aching hands. The technique is effective for heating traumatized or inflamed hands, and is used effectively for patients with arthritis and rheumatism.
How does paraffin heat therapy work? Paraffin wax has a very high "heat capacity," meaning it is able to absorb and retain a great amount of heat. The bath takes advantage of paraffin's heat-retaining capacity in a simple process called "heat transfer." Very simply, the heat that goes into melting the paraffin is released when it solidifies into a custom-fitted, warm "glove," thus transferring the heat deep into the affected joint or area. Each dip in a bath delivers a layer of fast-acting heat therapy.
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