How to Use Heating Pads With Poor Circulation

Heat improves circulation, which can help heal injuries and help keep your entire body healthy. If you have trouble with numb extremities, then a simple, daily heat routine can dramatically improve your comfort levels and quality of life. All you need are a heating pad, wash cloth, and plastic wrap to get started.

Things You'll Need

• Heating pad
• Wash cloth
• Plastic wrap

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Instructions

• 1

  Check your heating pad directions. Most heating pads are intended to be compatible for generation of "moist heat," which is the best for circulation. However, if the heating pad indicates that it must not be used in conjunction with a damp cloth, then you will need to obtain a different model. Of course, never use a heating pad in a bathtub or near a sink as they are not intended for this purpose.

• 2

  Warm up your heating pad. Do not place the heating pad on areas that experience coldness or numbness, while it is heating. You will get better results if you apply the heat all at once, rather than exposing yourself to it gradually.

• 3

  Soak a washcloth in hot water. You can make this water very hot because you are going to wring out the washcloth. Of course, do not scald yourself in the process. Wring out the washcloth thoroughly so that it does not drip, and lay it on the problem area. The washcloth should be barely damp by the time you have wrung it out.

• 4

  Place a piece of plastic wrap over the washcloth. This will hold the heat in and also prevent your heating pad from getting damp.

• 5

  Place the heating pad over the wash cloth. The washcloth will generate moist heat, which is effective in treating circulatory problems. Apply the heating pad for 20 minutes.

• 6

  Remove the heating pad and the washcloth, and place to the side.

• 7

  Check your results. If the area includes your arms and hands, for example, then hold your arms out to the sides and rotate them while wiggling your fingers. For legs, rotate and wiggle your toes. The blood will be moving thanks to the heat and the temperature change when you removed the heat. This will help "re-train" your circulation so that you get better blood flow even when you are not applying heat.