
When endometrial cells are broken down during your monthly cycle, the prostaglandins are released, and they are indirectly related to estrogen. Those painful contractions are sparked by chemicals called prostaglandins, which are produced in the lining of the uterus. Period cramps happen when the muscles of your uterus contract, which typically happens just before or during your period. Why Do We Get Period Cramps in the First Place?īefore we dive into all the wonders of using a heating pad for period pain, why exactly do women experience cramps in the first place? Great question. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about using a heating pad for cramps. Period pain is no joke, and studies show that 80% of women have experienced period cramps - that’s a lot of women in pain each month when you really think about it! Thankfully, heating pads for cramps are available, but how exactly do they work? You might also find alternating heat and cold therapy helpful.Raise your hand if you have ever felt personally victimized by your period pain. Healthcare professionals suggest that you apply heat for 5 to 10 minutes at a time, as frequently as is comfortable. If you’re tempted to remove the hot water bottle, then the water is too hot. But a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether the temperature feels comfortable. When it comes to temperature, everyone has a slightly different tolerance for heat on their skin. Cover the burn with a moist bandage or clean cloth.If there is jewelry or clothing near the burn area, remove it.Run cool water over the burn for at least 20 minutes.If you do get burned, here are some important first aid tips: The best course of action is to proceed very slowly through all the steps. If you don’t have a kettle and are using a pan on the stove, it might be best to pour the water into another container with a spout first. It’s best to pour from a container with a spout, such as a kettle. You also don’t want to use tap water, as it may not be hot enough and contains impurities that can affect the material of your hot water bottle.įilling your bottle takes a level of precision and care due to the safety issues of handling hot water. It’s important not to use boiling water, as this can be dangerous and could also degrade the seams of your hot water bottle. (They’re also a great way to heat up your bed during cold winter months.) Here’s our review of six of the best hot water bottles available online. Knowing your best options for hot water bottles puts you one step closer to giving your sore muscles and cold feet what they need. Generally, use cold for acute injuries and to reduce inflammation, and use heat for longer-term muscle pain, such as arthritis. If you’re going to use a hot water bottle, it’s important to know when to use hot or cold therapy for pain. The greatest reduction in pain was seen immediately after application. Increasing the temperature on a specific area of the body improves circulation and blood flow, working to relax and soothe damaged tissue.Ī 2013 study in the Journal of Clinical Medical Research showed that applying heat helps to preserve both muscle strength and activity. One of the most effective ways to apply heat locally is with a hot water bottle.

For a long time, people have applied heat to the body as an effective way to relieve muscle pain and stiffness.
