What is heat therapy?

Heat therapy is a supportive physiotherapy method that aims to warm up the musculoskeletal system. The purpose of heat therapy is to improve blood circulation (hyperemia) in the muscles, joints and tendons and to relax the treated muscles (relaxation). Various forms of heat therapy (thermotherapy) are known: Steam baths, mud packs, hot rollers, infrared therapy and various forms of heat baths.

The focus of heat therapy for motor dysfunctions is the application of mud packs (fango) and therapy with a “hot roll”. This therapy combines the application of heat with a massage. Terry cloths are rolled up in a funnel shape and soaked in hot water. The heated cloth roll (“hot roll”) is applied by the therapist to the selected areas of the body, rolled out and carefully massaged. The combination of heat and mechanical pressure improves blood circulation in the areas covered (hyperemia). Fango” is a mineral mud that has heat-retaining properties and is suitable for the targeted application of prolonged heat to the covered areas of the body.

In contrast to a sauna, which involves an overall warming of the body including the strain on breathing and circulation, a mud pack can be used for targeted warming of specific areas of the body. Each form of thermotherapy (hot roll and mud and baths) has advantages and disadvantages. The “hot roll” has become the most widely accepted form of heat therapy, as it is highly effective, easy to dose and feasible in physiotherapy practices and home visits.