The paraffin packing procedure
Another procedure used in medical recovery is thermotherapy or paraffin packing. During these sessions the paraffin is applied to targeted parts of the body. It is one of the oldest procedures in the field of medical rehabilitation techniques. Even though this procedure is effective when used as an individual procedure, it is often combined with other procedures such as massage or kinetotherapy. By combining these methods, the recovery process is speeded up.
How paraffin acts on the body
Although at first glance it may seem a procedure too simple to have effects on the human body, it must be said that the action of paraffin is based on the thermal factor. By heating the temperature up to 38-40°C, a rapid increase of blood circulation in the subcutaneous tissues is achieved.
Paraffin wax that is liquefied brings important benefits by absorbing and retaining heat. Once the paraffin wax is applied to the body area to be treated, heat is transferred from the wax to the painful area and the liquefied wax returns to its solid state. The heat generated thus helps to reduce pain and combat stiffness. At the same time the skin is softened and pores are opened due to the blood nourishment of the skin.
Paraffin wax stores heat and then slowly releases it to the body where it is applied once it cools. This produces a local stimulating effect and the body’s response is a peripheral vasodilation.
Indications and benefits of paraffin wax
Paraffin packing or thermotherapy is indicated for various conditions. First of all we are talking about degenerative rheumatic diseases, but also in case of the inflammatory diseases. These include peripheral nervous system disorders, poor peripheral circulation or muscle spasm and contracture.
Paraffin is also indicated for mobility restoration, for improving metabolic processes, for hematoma reabsorption, fibrositis, fibromyalgia or superficial thrombophlebitis. Last but not least, paraffin is recommended to be used to induce the reflex vasodilation.
There is a wide range of benefits of paraffin wax packaging. First of all it eliminates and burns fat by preventing the formation of fatty tissue nodules. Secondly, this procedure relieves rheumatic pains and also removes toxins and water from the tissues, resulting in smoother and more elastic skin.
Another advantage of paraffin is the visible reduction of the “orange peel” appearance of the skin after each session. Deep cleansing and toning complete the benefits of thermotherapy, along with stimulating and improving blood circulation. Last but not least, it is worth noting that paraffin wax contributes to moisturizing dry skin for several days.
In order to benefit from all these effects of paraffin packing, the treatment should only be performed upon the advice and under the strict supervision of a specialist in rehabilitation medicine. At Koly Medical Clinic we provide patients with such paraffin packing procedures, which are intended to complement other medical rehabilitation techniques.