WHAT IS THERMOTHERAPY

Con termoterapia (dal greco heat "calore" and therapy "cura") o terapia termica

refers to the use of heat for therapeutic purposes. This term is generally used to refer to therapies that use heat for analgesic or soothing purposes.

The direct effect of thermotherapy is to cause vasodilation

which in turn has positive effects on the reactivation of blood circulation and metabolism,

as well as stimulating glandular secretory activity and the regeneration of various tissues. They are brought back to the heat

also strong hypotensive and analgesic effects.

Heat reduces the perception of pain through several mechanisms:

stimulates nerve endings, sensitive to temperature, modulating the transmission of painful signals to the brain; promotes the production by our body of substances, called endorphins, with analgesic activity.

The heat induces both vasodilation and the formation of new vessels at the level

of the muscle; this ensures that there is greater blood flow to the tissues and, consequently, better oxygenation

and a greater intake of nutrients.

Vasodilation promotes the elimination of substances that are formed in inflammatory processes and which are responsible

of painful sensations. The greater supply of nutrients and oxygen promotes energy metabolism

of muscle cells, facilitating relaxation and functional recovery.

Finally, heat increases the fluidity of the liquid present in the joints and increases the elasticity of the collagen present

in tendons, ligaments and joint capsules.

In this way the heat helps to improve joint mobility and flexibility.

Thermotherapy is particularly suitable for the treatment of muscle pain

and joints due to various causes, such as muscle fatigue, muscle contractures, sprains and strains, arthritis.

It may be indicated for the treatment of chronic and occasional pain.

It is important to seek the advice of your doctor before carrying out thermotherapy

if you have diabetes, circulation problems, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis or if you are pregnant.

For the treatment to be effective, the heat must spread deeply and, therefore, it is essential that it is applied to the painful part in a constant and prolonged manner.

Heat therapy is used to treat muscle pain and tension.

Muscle pain is caused by decreased blood flow to muscle tissue.

This phenomenon causes tension and stimulates neurons to send messages

of "pain" in the spinal cord and, subsequently, in the brain.

The perceived pain causes further contraction of the muscle, thus making the situation worse.

Heat can positively influence muscle and skeletal pain symptoms and relieve pain.

Benefits of heat therapy

improvement of blood circulation

greater supply of oxygen and nutrients, fundamental for muscle tissue

greater elimination of metabolic substances

Heat relieves pain effectively

tension reduction

relaxing and calming well-being

greater mobility of movements