Thermotherapy is a cheap, drug-less way of taking the edge off an amazing array of common painful problems. Heat is primarily for relaxation, comfort, and reassurance, and taking the edge off of several kinds of body pain, mostly duller and persistent pains associated with stiffness, cramping, and/or sensitivity,
Acute soreness from over-exertion.
Stiffness and pain in specific areas related to osteoarthritis, muscle “knots” or trigger points, and most kinds of cramping/spasm (menstrual, neuropathic, restless leg syndrome, for example, or even just stiffness from postural strain).
“Hurts all over” pain like fibromyalgia, the rheumatic diseases, drug side effects, vitamin D deficiency, and sleep deprivation.
Physiological responses to heat
Increased Blood Flow
Snuggies dilate the blood vessels in the injured tissues promoting flow of oxygen and nutrients to help with healing. Increased blood flow also removes toxins and metabolic by-products from the area.
Relaxation of Muscles and Tendons
Reduced tension in muscle trigger points, increases the ability of the muscle tendon unit to relax and stretch. Heat reduces the viscosity of the collagen in these muscles. Collagen is found in bone, cartilage, tendon, ligaments, skin and the sheath covering the muscle.
Increased Range of Motion
Snuggies relax muscles, which eases stiffness and improves joint mobility. Heat facilitates the stretching of your soft tissues like your muscles, connective tissue and any adhesions or scar tissue that might be present.
Reduced Inflammation
Snuggies can also reduce inflammation, including inflammation from various types of arthritis and from congestion in your tissues that is associated with sub-acute or chronic traumatic conditions of your superficial joints and muscles.