Whether you’re looking for a safe and effective way to relieve your period cramps, or just want a little extra comfort, a heating pad is an easy solution.
A heating pad provides quick relief from menstrual cramps by increasing blood flow toward the affected area. It also relaxes muscles and soothes pain.
1. Increases circulation
A heating pad for cramps can increase circulation by helping blood flow through the area of pain. The increased circulation also helps relax muscles and make them more comfortable.
According to a study in Scientific Reports, heat therapy can be more effective at relieving period cramps than taking pain medication. You can use a heating pad to help alleviate cramps without the side effects and risk of addiction associated with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
The main reason that heat therapy can relieve menstrual cramps is because it increases blood flow to the affected area. In addition, the heat also relaxes the uterine muscles.
Another way that heat can improve circulation is by increasing blood flow to the fetus during pregnancy. This can reduce the chances of a miscarriage or premature birth.
If you don’t have access to a heating pad, there are some other ways you can increase blood flow, including elevating your legs. This can increase circulation and help bring blood to your heart, where it will be delivered to the rest of your body.
You can also try a warm bath or light exercise, which can encourage more blood flow throughout your entire body. In addition, consider adding an ice pack or an over-the-counter cold compress to your routine to help relieve the pain of menstrual cramps.
A heating pad is a convenient and cost-effective way to increase circulation during your period. However, it’s important to note that you should not apply a heating pad directly onto your skin. You should instead place it on a cloth or towel to ensure that you don’t overheat yourself.
This can lead to burns or overheating, so you should be sure that you use the appropriate settings and follow safety precautions when using a heating pad for cramps. You can also buy a heating pad that’s made of cloth or a cotton-like material, as these will provide better coverage and warmth to the area.
A good heating pad can give you relief and comfort while you’re experiencing periods, so it’s worth investing in a high-quality one. It’s also a good idea to choose a product that meets Healthline’s medical and business standards so you can be confident that it will work as it claims.
2. Relaxes muscles
Heat therapy has long been a trusted way to relieve cramps, as it relaxes tight muscles and improves blood flow toward the affected area. The exact mechanism by which this happens is still being uncovered, but some theories say that it does so by relaxing the myometrium, or smooth muscle of the uterus, and allowing blood vessels to open up and increase oxygen delivery.
When choosing a heating pad for cramps, look for one that has a wide range of temperature settings that can be regulated with a sliding controller. The right setting will allow you to find a level that is comfortable for you while also providing relief from cramps and other painful menstrual symptoms.
Some pads even have a moist heat option, which can help soothe muscles and reduce pain. This is particularly important if you have sensitive skin. If you develop a heat rash or burn from using a heating pad, discontinue use immediately and check with the manufacturer for further instructions on how to avoid complications.
There are a number of portable options for getting hot comfort during your period, so it’s important to find one that you can take with you anywhere. Reviewers love the Rael Heating Patch, which can be worn on the back of your shirt or underwear without electricity and provides serious cramp relief.
Likewise, the Sunbeam Comfortable Heating Pad is an affordable option that allows you to choose from three different heat settings, plus a sliding controller and washable cover. It also has a 9-foot power cord, which means you can rest it on your lower abdomen or back without having to worry about running out of juice.
It also features a vibrating feature that adds to the massage effect and helps to relax the affected muscles. The pad is also lightweight and easy to clean, and reviews are mostly positive. However, some buyers note that the vibrating feature isn’t as effective as it could be.
3. Relieves pain
There are several ways to relieve pain caused by period cramps, but one of the most effective is to use a heating pad. The best heating pads for cramps relieve pain by boosting circulation and relaxing muscles.
A study in Scientific Reports found that heat therapy can ease period cramps more effectively than taking painkillers. It also reduces the risk of side effects and can be a more convenient option than medication.
However, you should consult your doctor before using any heat-based products to relieve menstrual cramps. Pregnant women should avoid using these products to prevent burns, and they should only use them for 20 minutes or less at a time.
Some women can handle heat better in certain parts of their body than others, so it’s important to find a heating pad that fits your needs. The final choice of where to apply the heat is up to you, but for most women, placing a heating pad on their lower abdomen is the best way to relieve cramps.
To make the most of your experience with a heating pad, it’s best to begin on the lowest temperature setting and gradually increase it as you need. It’s also a good idea to use it for 15 to 20 minutes at first to evaluate how comfortable it is and get an idea of your pain level.
You can also combine a heating pad with essential oils to relieve menstrual pain more quickly. For example, lavender oil is known for calming down painful symptoms, and you can massage it over your lower back and abdominal area before applying the heating pad.
For maximum coverage, choose a pad that’s 12 by 24 inches in size and offers multiple heat settings. You can choose low, medium, or high to target your cramping area and then change the temperature with a sliding controller.
You can purchase these products online or at a local drug store. The best way to find out which one is right for you is to try out a few before you make your final decision. Some of these products are reusable, so you can reuse them over and over again without having to buy new ones.
4. No drugs required
For most women, menstrual cramps can be a serious pain. They can cause difficulty with walking, working or standing upright, and are often painful enough to make a woman want to reach for a painkiller.
One of the best ways to relieve menstrual cramps is to use a heating pad. Heat therapy can relieve pain by increasing blood flow to a specific area, thereby relaxing muscles and alleviating the pain associated with it.
A newer concept in heat therapy is a “smart” heating pad that can be programmed to deliver optimum temperature and massage settings. These pads can be found at a few major retailers and have been shown to reduce menstrual cramps by up to 79%.
While this technology is still in development, it may be the next big thing when it comes to period pain relief. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati published a study stating that heat therapy has a significant effect on improving blood flow to the uterus, which translates into reduced pain.
Another cool thing about these devices is that they can be used without a cord, which can be a huge bonus for those on the go. A battery-operated version, the Rael Heating Patch, is infused with natural ingredients that are known to provide pain relief.
It has four unique settings that allow you to customize your heat experience. It also comes with a handy strap that makes it easy to roll up for storage.
It is a good idea to start out on the smallest temperature setting, and gradually increase it over time until you find the optimal level for your individual needs. It is important to remember that heat can only be beneficial if you are actively trying to relax and relieve your pain. So be sure to take a break, assess your level of pain and resume use as soon as you feel comfortable.