Heat Therapy

Most people have used heat at one time to sooth normal aches and pains — such as the use of a hot bath, a heating pad or even an old-fashioned water bottle.

Even today, these types of heat therapy play an important role in chiropractic practice to increase circulation and relax the muscles. At the same time, heat therapy can help reduce pain.

Types of Heat Therapy

The types of heat therapy vary, from simple methods such as the use of warm wraps and heating pads to more advanced techniques such as the use of therapeutic ultrasound. All of these, though, are designed to relax muscles and promote healing.

Some of the most common heat therapies used by chiropractors include:

  • Moist heat packs. These are applied over several layers of towels to prevent burning of the skin.
  • Warm whirlpool bath. This technique involves a combination of immersion in heated water and massage from water jets; this may be combined with movements in the water.
  • Paraffin bath. The hands, wrists, elbows, ankles or feet are dipped in paraffin wax to soothe chronic injuries.
  • Fluidotherapy. This method is a dry technique, involving the use of hot air containing cellulose particles that is circulated over the skin.

Benefits of Heat Therapy

Heat has long been used for its healing and soothing benefits. But heat therapy may provide other benefits, such as:

  • Increased blood flow
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Relief from muscle spasms
  • Decreased stiffness in joints
  • Pain relief

Heat therapy can also be used before other healing therapies, including stretching, exercise, massage and physical adjustments. The heat can increase how easily scar tissue or tight joints will move.

How Heat Therapy Works

Some muscle spasms are caused by a lack of blood flow to the tissues. Heat applied to the area can bring more blood to the tissues, along with extra oxygen and glucose needed by the cells.

Heat therapy also reduces inflammation and swelling by speeding up the activity of the cells, lowering the pH inside the cells and stimulating the release of helpful chemicals. These chemicals cause the blood vessels to widen, allowing more blood flow to the injured, inflamed or painful tissues.

Although heat therapy can improve many symptoms, some people may experience negative side effects after treatment. They may experience greater pain, achiness or stiffness. If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your chiropractor, who may suggest other treatments.


Office Hours

Our 96th Street office is convenient to north Indianapolis, Nora, Carmel, and Zionsville.

Chiropractic Office Hours - Dr. Mary Jo Johnson

Monday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Chiropractic Office Hours- Dr. Steve Avitabile

Monday:

7:00 am-9:00 am

Tuesday:

7:00 am-9:00 am

Wednesday:

7:00 am-9:00 am

Thursday:

7:00 am-9:00 am

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Therapeutic Massage - Becky Troyer, CMT

Monday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

10:50 am-7:30 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Special appointment only.

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Therapeutic Massage-Sheryl Lanham, CMT

Monday:

9:40 am-6:40 pm

Tuesday:

9:40 am-6:40 pm

Wednesday:

9:40 am-6:40 pm

Thursday:

9:40 am-6:40 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Therapeutic Massage- Kriss Luckett-Ziesemer, CMT

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

9:20 am-5:40 pm

Friday:

10:00 am-12:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Therapeutic Exercise- Savannah Fisher, MSK

Monday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 pm-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

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Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Dr. Johnson is an amazing chiropractor and an amazing woman. Her staff is great, everyone is kind and there to be of service. Dr. Johnson will help you get your whole wellness life together, and will do it with kindness and care. I would send anyone here."
    Mr. K.
  • "Fantastic people doing great work in this office. I have had back pain since my mid-20's. The chiropractic work helped, but then Kurt was able to help me figure out I had a wheat intolerance that was the root cause of my problems. If you are looking for a great support system for your health needs, look no further!"
    Jeff C.
  • "I love this place!!!  I had never been to a Chiropractor before, i thought they were scary, with all the old school treatment.  Dr. Johnson is the best, her treatment plan has worked for me, i was a mess when i first went there, i suffered for months with the pain in neck, upper back and shoulders, starting the treatment on 5/25/2019.  i am so much better now!Her staff is also friendly and kind, and very knowledgeable, her front desk receptionist, Emily, is the best also!  Thank you all so much!"
    Kim K.
  • "Thank you Dr. Johnson - your gentle and holistic approach to chiropractic care and wellness is greatly appreciated. Your work and that of your wellness team is among the best!"
    R.D. Indianapolis /Indianapolis, IN