Recovering From Sports Injuries? Heat Therapy Can Help Relieve The Pain

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Sports injuries can leave you in a lot of pain. The physical pain can make it difficult to function in your day-to-day activities. Your doctor, like Dr. Lisa M. Schoene, may prescribe you with pain medication; however, you may also want to find natural ways to alleviate some of the minor discomfort. You can find relief from pain through the natural healing effects of heat.

Bring On The Heat

One of the best ways to relieve pain after an injury is to apply heat. Heat works to relieve pain by increasing blood flow to the affected area of your body, and by reducing the pain signals that are going to the brain. Heat is beneficial for relaxing muscles and reducing stiffness. If you don't have a heating pad, there are a couple other ways that you can get the benefits of heat therapy.

Towels

This is a relatively easy way to apply heat to your sore body. All you need is a small towel and a microwave.

Directions

1. Get a small towel wet.
2. Wring it out very well.
3. Place your wet towel in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Place the towel on the affected area of your body and leave it there until the towel cools down.
5. Repeat the process several times throughout the day.

Hand Made Heat Sacks

Heat sacks can be used for all types of heat therapy. Once these are made, you can keep them on hand for any occasion when you need the healing relief of heat.

Supplies You'll Need

• ¼ yard of material

• Sewing machine or sewing needle (if you don't have access to a sewing machine)

• 2 lbs. of uncooked rice

  Directions

1. Fold your material to form a square.
2. Sew the sides of your material, leaving one end open.
3. Pour the rice into the sack you have sewn.
4. Sew the open end closed.
5. Place your heat sack into the microwave.
6. Heat on high for about 2 minutes.
7. Carefully remove the sack from the microwave.
8.  Place your heat sack on the affected area of your body.
9. Repeat as needed throughout the day.

After you've been injured while playing sports, your body will need time to heal. Follow your doctors orders, and then use heat therapy to reduce the pain. Heat therapy can reduce the amount of pain you're experiencing. Don't let pain keep you sidelined. Use these natural methods to receive the help you need with your pain.

14 November 2014