One Reason Why You Should Use Heat for Recovery
By: Dr. Tiffany T. Butler | February 22, 2023 | Time: 5 minutes
The application of heat therapy for soft tissue injuries is a treatment option is often seen in chiropractic and physical therapy offices because of the many benefits heats provides in the healing and recovery process. One of the main benefits of heat therapy is an increase in blood circulation and flow.
What happens when heat is applied to the muscle and joint injuries?
When tissues are heated above the body core temperature, the blood vessels dilate (open) and there is an accelerated increase of blood flow and circulation to the area. Due to the increase of blood flow to the area, the skin “heats up” and is identified by “redness” in the area. The blood contains white blood cells, oxygen, and other particles that are important for healing and repair.
Reason Why You Should Use Heat… Increase in Blood Circulation. What’s in the blood?
Macrophages are immune, anti-inflammatory cells whose primary role is tissue regeneration and wound healing; in addition, macrophages are present in the early stages of tissue injury and remains present throughout the various phase of tissue injury. Macrophages remove damaged cells, debris, and pathogens from the area. Think of macrophages as the demolition team making room for the new.
Monocytes are immune cells that regulate tissue repair, regeneration, and formation of scar tissue. In addition, the presence of monocytes at the injured site triggers the process of inflammation and initiates tissue repair.
Oxygen is needed for tissues to grow, regenerate, and repair. When there is increased blood circulation to the area, there is an increase of oxygenated cells (e.g., red blood cells) as well. Oxygen is essential to the healing and repair of damaged tissues. In addition, the increase in blood flow may help to speed up the healing process.
Collagen plays a major role in tissue remodeling and formation. In addition, collagen helps to regulate the various phases of tissue healing and repair. Collagen is a major component required for new tissue formation.
Cytokines and growth factors have a primary role in regulating the immune and inflammatory processes. These substances migrate to the injured area to regulate the tissue healing and repair process.
Bottom Line: The increase in blood circulation is imperative to tissue healing and repair because it contains all the nutrients, minerals, cells, substances, and oxygen necessary to ensure adequate healing of the tissue. Therefore, the application of heat to an injured area is therapeutically beneficial to recovery from soft tissue injuries.
Dr. Tiffany T. Butler (aka “The Pain Doctor”) is a chiropractor, author, and entrepreneur. She leads Harmonious Living Chiropractic: Fitness & Wellness Center, a pain management practice, in offering healthcare solutions that focus on patient-centered care. Her team consists of individuals who are passionate about improving patient outcomes by providing chiropractic care, in conjunction with therapeutic procedures. Their services have helped hundreds of people find pain relief and improved their quality of life. To learn more about Dr. Butler visit https://www.drtiffanybutler.com/dr-butler/ Connect with Dr. Butler on social media #drtiffanybutler @drtiffanybutler
