Paraffin therapy is an excellent form of treatment for joint inflammation; it belongs to the heat therapies and is based on the special properties of this substance.
Paraffin is derived from petroleum and consists of hydrocarbons.
At room temperature it is solid, the melting temperature is about 53 ° C.
It is applied to the skin in a liquid state when it is very warm. This leads to a considerable increase in temperature of the hand due to the heat conduction.
The indications for paraffin packs are the same as for thermotherapy:
- Muscle hardening is released.
- The elasticity of the connective tissue structures is improved.
- The blood circulation is promoted.
- The nutrient supply is favored and the elimination of metabolic waste products is accelerated.
- Analgesic effect by removing pain-causing substances (histamine, lactic acid, etc.) and raising the pain threshold.
- Paraffin quickly hardens again, initially at the contact surface with the skin.
- When the paraffin hardens, its volume decreases, thus squeezing the hand and having a decongestant effect.
- As it clogs the pores, sweat collects on the skin.
There are different methods to apply the paraffin: by brushing, foam, bath and glove.
I use the glove technique because it prolongs the therapeutic effect because the paraffin stays hot longer.
When the paraffin is liquid, the hand or foot of the paraffin heater is immersed; then it is pulled out again and waited for the paraffin to stop dripping. This process is repeated three to four times.
The paraffin encloses the hand or foot and forms a solid layer.
After the last dip, immediately put the hand in a plastic glove so that the temperature can be maintained.
Surround the hand in the plastic glove with a thermal cover to retain the heat even longer.
After 15/20 minutes, the hand is freed from the cover, glove and paraffin.
The treatment cycles consist of 8-10 consecutive applications.
Paraffin therapy is recommended for the treatment of edema, inflammation, sequelae of traumatic injuries, arthrosis, inflammatory rheumatic diseases, cartilage damage (chondroppathies).
