We all know paraffin wax is a great way to help your skin stay moisturized and glowing (If you didn’t, where have you been?). It’s also a great source of relaxation and very soothing to the body. However, the power of paraffin wax goes even one step further than many people think.
Paraffin wax is also used as a legitimate form of therapy for individuals struggling with arthritis, osteoarthritis, joint inflammation, and muscle pain. It goes beyond being just a home remedy and is often used by physical therapists as well.
If you have any of these conditions and haven’t tried paraffin wax as a treatment, this article is for you! Keep reading to discover exactly why paraffin wax is such an effective form of therapy for these difficult-to-treat conditions.
1. Paraffin Wax will Relax your Muscles
When using paraffin wax as a medical treatment, it is heated to a very specific temperature. This heat applied gently and evenly around the affected muscle will instantly release any tightness or tension that people with arthritis are often unknowingly holding onto. It’s sort of like wrapping your muscles in the softest, warmest blanket you can find.
2. It is a Wonderful Pain Reliever
How many times have you used a heating pad on sore muscles to relieve pain?
Using paraffin wax is a much more soothing and effective way to achieve the same goal. While heating pads can be helpful, they simply sit on top of your skin. They can move around or fall off, which causes more stress, rather than relieving it. Paraffin wax, however, perfectly encloses the painful area and opens up the pores. Allowing the heat to penetrate deep into the skin like this provides a quicker and longer-lasting soothing effect.
3. You can use it for Gentle Mobility Exercises
Since the wax is relatively soft and easy to shape, Physical Therapists often use it as a mobility exercise for patients recovering from hand surgery. They will first use the heat of the wax to relax and loosen the muscles. Then, once the wax has hardened, they will have the patient peel it off and squish it in their hand like a very soft stress ball. This works the muscles in a gentle and simple way, making it a great first step for patients trying to regain mobility.
4. It Reduces Inflammation
In addition to soothing your sore muscles, it also helps to reduce inflammation, the heat of the wax causes an increase in blood flow, which will help minimize any uncomfortable swelling.
How to Use Paraffin Wax
For a typical Paraffin Wax treatment, you or your therapist will heat the wax in a paraffin wax bath warmer and dip your hand or foot into the hot wax. You can choose to dip once for a shorter, less intense experience, or dip up to 4-5 times for longer-lasting heat. After you’ve done your desired number of layers, cover the wax with a bag, towel, or wax treatment glove and bootie set.
Once the wax is covered, wait at least 10 minutes, or more depending on the number of layers you did, for the wax to harden. During this waiting period, all you have to do is sit back and relax! You can watch your favorite TV show, listen to an audiobook or music, or do a facemask and make it feel like a full-service spa! Enjoy this small slice of “me time” and the calming feeling that the hot wax brings to your muscles.
After the wax has completely dried, simply remove your cover, peel off the wax, and you’re done! If you’re using the wax for mobility treatments during physical therapy, this would be the time to complete those exercises.
How Do I Start At-Home Treatments?
Start at-home paraffin wax treatments is very simple! You don’t need a huge amount of supplies, and there are no confusing instructions. To get started, you’ll need:
You can find all of these supplies for a reasonable price on newroadbeauty.com, which makes getting started even easier!
If you are plagued by constant joint and muscle pain, or struggle with conditions such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, or inflammation, consider paraffin wax treatments! They relax both your body and mind while providing you the treatment you need. Not to mention it is easy to do on your own and doesn’t have a large start-up cost! It’s time you experience this amazing solution that is truly revolutionizing the world of heat therapy.
