Over-stressing tissues in a workout or manual labor can cause microscopic tears in the muscle tissue. Most of the time this simply means that your body is adapting to the work or the new workout routine. If you’re one of those individuals who frequently face muscle pain you may already be familiar with various forms of relief.

Laborers and athletes have known for over a hundred year that heat can bring relief to aching, overworked muscles. Heat can bring faster pain relief to a sore area.

But gone, for the most part, are the days of the hot water bottle. Most homes already have an electric heating pad. But added benefits can be found in a massaging heating pad.

Heating pads have been used to bring relief from things such as arthritis as well as autoimmune disorders such as Fibromyalgia, Epstein-Barr, Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis. Heating pads are also used by athletes for relief from strain, pains and sprains. Office workers who spend hours behind computers use heating pads for relief from neck and shoulder pain.

If you are in the market to buy a new massaging heating pad or if you want to replace an old one, there are some things to consider. When you’re getting ready to buy you may need to do some research to make sure that you are getting the best product available for your own needs. You will want to look at the types of heating pads available. Take a look the various sizes that are available. Give consideration to the features and of course to the cost. If you need the heating pad to recover from an injury, your health care provider may be able to you some advice regarding the best product for your particular needs. Your health care provider will also be able to tell you if heat is the best method of relief for your particular situation. Then, of course, a lot depends on personal preference.

There are two main types of massaging heating pads: vibrating massage and Shiatsu-style deep-tissue massage pads. Again, this comes down mostly to a matter of preference.

Size can vary with massaging heating pads. Some are as small as 12 inches by 12 inches while others are large enough to massage the entire back.

Features vary, but the most common features include variable temperature settings and variable speeds for the massage function. Most also come with removal covers for ease of cleaning.

Some heating pads will come with options for providing moist heat. These models may come with straps to help keep the heating pad in place. Others are designed like blankets that you can wrap around your body or the specific area being treated.

Regarding price, if that’s your main consideration, look for heating pads with one or two heat and speed choices. The more you are willing and able to spend the more features that will be available to you. More economical versions are important for those who suffer from chronic pain because frequently sufferers of chronic pain also have to be careful managing their budget.

As with anything, read the instructions when you purchase your massaging heating pad. Sure, the functions are mostly self-explanatory. Some will have automatic shut off functions. That’s important because the general recommendation is to use a heating pad for about ten minutes at a time with cooling-off periods in between.

When you’re doing research into the best massaging heating pad for your needs, consider whether you are stationary throughout the day or whether you need to walk around with the heating pad. Also consider how long the heat lasts, and what is the automatic shutoff cycle. Read independent reviews to make sure the product is safe.

Written by Lawrence Reaves for HamiltonBeach.com, a good thinking company, providing a variety of irons and all types of blenders for making smoothies.

Written by Lawrence Reaves for http://HamiltonBeach.com, a good thinking company, providing a variety of irons and all types of blenders for making smoothies.

Author Bio: Written by Lawrence Reaves for HamiltonBeach.com, a good thinking company, providing a variety of irons and all types of blenders for making smoothies.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: heating pads, home appliances, coffee makers, slow cookers, blenders, irons