Moist Heat Therapy

Moist heat therapy involves the application of heated clay packs that are warmed in a hydrocollator—a specialized unit that keeps them at an optimal therapeutic temperature. Unlike dry heat (such as heating pads), moist heat penetrates deeper into muscles and soft tissues, providing more effective pain relief and muscle relaxation.

The therapeutic benefits of moist heat therapy include:

• Deep Muscle Relaxation – Reduces muscle tension, making adjustments easier and more effective.
• Increased Blood Flow – Improves circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the affected area for faster healing.
• Pain Reduction – Alleviates discomfort from muscle stiffness, joint pain, and chronic conditions like arthritis.
• Enhanced Flexibility – Prepares muscles and soft tissues for better mobility and a smoother chiropractic adjustment.

At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic, we apply moist heat therapy before adjustments to help patients get the most out of their chiropractic care. When muscles are tight or inflamed, spinal adjustments can be less effective and may cause temporary discomfort. Moist heat therapy helps alleviate this by:

• Relaxing the Muscles – Stiff, tense muscles can resist adjustments. Applying heat softens tight muscles, allowing for gentler, more precise chiropractic corrections.
• Enhancing Joint Mobility – Loosening the soft tissues around the spine makes it easier to achieve proper alignment.
• Reducing Post-Adjustment Soreness – By warming up the body beforehand, patients experience less stiffness and discomfort after their adjustment.
• Maximizing Adjustment Effectiveness – A more relaxed body allows for longer-lasting results and better overall spinal health.

Moist heat therapy is beneficial for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Chronic Back & Neck Pain – Reduces tension in the paraspinal muscles, allowing for better spinal mobility.
• Sciatica & Nerve Pain – Helps loosen muscles around the sciatic nerve, reducing pressure and irritation.
• Arthritis & Joint Stiffness – Increases circulation and mobility in stiff joints, improving overall function.
• Muscle Strains & Spasms – Relieves tightness and cramping caused by overuse or injury.
• Postural Tension & Workplace Strain – Helps undo the damage caused by prolonged sitting, poor posture, and repetitive movements.

Research has consistently shown that moist heat therapy is more effective than dry heat in relieving pain, increasing circulation, and improving muscle flexibility:

• A study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research found that moist heat therapy provided greater pain relief and improved range of motion more effectively than dry heat in patients with chronic lower back pain (Malanga et al., 2015).
• Research published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation demonstrated that deep heat penetration from moist heat therapy significantly reduced muscle stiffness and enhanced tissue elasticity compared to dry heat (Nadler et al., 2004).
• A clinical trial in the Journal of Physiotherapy showed that patients who received moist heat therapy before manual therapy experienced greater pain reduction and improved function compared to those who received manual therapy alone (French et al., 2017).