There are many benefits that can be achieved through the application of superficial thermal agents. It is important to note that superficial thermal agents e.g. a hot pack DOES NOT heat deep tissue. To find out how we know this, please follow this link.
Some of the benefits achieved with the application of superficial thermal agents include:
- Vasodilatation
- Increased metabolic rate which may enhance tissue repair
- Increased extensibility of collagen when collagen is heated to more than 40 degrees C
- Reduced fluid viscosity
- Reduced muscle tone
- Sedative effect on the skin
- Pain modulation at the spinal cord