If you have a chronic condition like fibromyalgia, arthritis, or joint and muscle pain, try heating things up. Soaking in warm water or applying a heated compress is one of the oldest, cheapest, and safest forms of complementary therapy. Research has shown that heat treatments can loosen stiff joints and relieve achy muscles.   Compliment using heat with some of our neoprene and Coolprene™ compression sleeves and supports that will provide you with not only support where you need it but also added heat throughout the course of the day.

When you warm up a sore joint or tired muscle, your blood vessels get bigger. This allows more blood, oxygen, and nutrients to be delivered to the injured tissues. Better circulation means more relaxation for those stiff muscles and joints.

Stay away from heat if you have an acute injury or are having a flare up on an area that has been causing you pain. If you have a sudden onset of swelling and redness from overdoing it yesterday, you are better off using cold treatments for a few days. Cold has the opposite effect of heat: it reduces blood flow and decreases inflammation.

Start your day right by taking a long, warm shower. The heat of the water will reduce morning stiffness, limber up the body, and increase your range of motion for the daily activity ahead.

Make sure the water is not too hot, particularly if you have heart problems.

Add in some prep time if you are planning to exercise. Taking a shower before you work out or go on a long walk can prepare tight joints for exercise and reduce your chance of injury.

Go for a nice swim. A warm pool is the ideal place to strengthen your muscles and increase your flexibility. The water will reduce the force of gravity compressing the joint and offer 360-degree support for sore limbs that have limited range of motion.

Reap the rewards. Flexibility and relief last long after your swim. Studies show that patients with arthritis and fibromyalgia who participated in warm water exercise programs two or three times a week could move around better and had as much as 40 percent less pain

Don’t overdo it. Maximum benefit is reached after about 20 minutes in a warm pool or bathtub. Make sure you drink water before and after your dip.

Relax in a warm bath if a heated pool is inconvenient.  Relax and loosen any joints that may have stiffened up from your daily activities with a nightly dip.

Treat yourself to some bath salts. Bathing in magnesium sulphate crystals (Epsom salts) may boost your magnesium levels – a mineral that is important for bone and heart health.

Stay healthy and happy,

Oppo Health Team.