When you’re cold, it can be easy to turn to quick fixes. Heat therapy is one of the oldest forms of pain relief, and the invention of heating pads makes it easy to use heat anywhere you go. While modern heating pads feature built-in safety measures, it may surprise you to learn that sleeping on a heating pad can be dangerous.
Heating pads and electric blankets are a great way to quickly warm up or reduce muscle tension or stiffness, but they should be used with caution.
Some benefits of using heating pads include:
Heat therapy is intended for use in 20-minute cycles. Prolonging your skin’s exposure to extreme temperatures can result in minor burns and dryness. Safety is the primary concern for health experts who recommend purchasing a modern heating pad with automatic turnoff timers. While the chance is admittedly low, there is still a small chance of a heating element inside the device overheating or otherwise malfunctioning and causing a fire.
Heated blankets and heating pads are a great way to combat muscle soreness and tension, but temporary heating methods can’t replace your home’s furnace. If you’re using a heating pad for warmth or in an attempt to save money on heating costs, this could be a sign that your furnace is simply inefficient. Contact our team to schedule an appointment for heating repairs today!