Benefits of Paraffin in the Treatment of Arthritis

It is assumed that in Spain there is More than 300,000 people suffer rheumatoid arthritis, and more than 20,000 cases of this chronic and in many cases genetic joint disease are diagnosed each year, which mainly affects middle aged women.

This specific type of osteoarthritis is, of course, determined joint inflammation. However, this occurs when “the immune system recognizes certain parts of the joints as foreign.” This is defined by the Spanish Rheumatology Foundation, which ensures that the only treatment andTry to control pain and inflammation try to improve the quality of life in the long term.

This is expressed in painkillers, medications and, if necessary, physical therapy. However, there is a solution that you can ask your doctor or physical therapist if the pain is so intense that medications do not help. It is about paraffin baths.

What is paraffin?

paraffin it is a substance derived from petroleum that in the context of medicine has properties that help to perform thermal therapies.

Dr. Helena Bascuñana Ambros, president of the Spanish Society of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine (SERMEF), assures that her goal is to “relieve muscle and joint pain, improve blood circulation and reduce joint stiffness“.

From point of view physiotherapyAs Dr. Carlos Alberto Villarón Casales, professor at the European University of Valencia, points out, it has many applications:

• Relief from pain and stiffness: Applying heat to the affected areas helps relax the muscles, increase blood flow and reduce inflammation, which in turn reduces pain and stiffness.
• Improved mobility: Due to its caloric content, paraffin helps make joints more flexible and improve range of motion.
• Skin hydration: Paraffin has emollient properties that help moisturize dry and cracked skin.
• Preparing for physical therapy: Applying paraffin wax before physical therapy can help warm up the muscles and make healing easier.

Who benefits from paraffin?

Apart from arthritis, there are other pains that are difficult to treat, whether muscle or joint pain, that can be greatly relieved if the flare-ups are not stopped with medical paraffin treatment. Some of them are:

• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis.
• Fibromyalgia: Chronic muscle pain and fatigue.
• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs between bones and soft tissues.
• muscle contracturesStiffness and shortening of muscles.
• Sports injuries: Strains, strains and bruises.

How does paraffin therapy work?

According to rheumatologist Helena Bascuñana Ambros, there are several methods:

• Immersion method: the body part is dipped in paraffin several times until a thick layer is formed, then wrapped in polyethylene and a towel to retain heat.
• Cleaning method: Paraffin is applied with a brush in several layers to the affected area.
• pouring method: the area to be treated is filled with paraffin and then wrapped in plastic and a towel.

All options will “increase blood circulation, reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity”, adds Ambros. Of course, the most effective way to reduce pain is to repeat the procedure frequently.

• “The recommended frequency of paraffin therapy varies depending on the patient’s condition and response. Initially, Two to three sessions can be performed per week for two to four weeks.“.

The relief felt by patients, as well as the continuing need for help, has led many try to conduct the patient at his homeHowever, Casales does not advise doing this.

“Although there is paraffin sets for home use“It is recommended that the treatment be carried out by a professional as they can assess the condition, determine if the paraffin is suitable, and apply the treatment safely and effectively,” he explains.

“Therapeutic action of paraffin They are much greater if exercises are performed on the treated area during its application.“Obviously, this type of therapeutic exercise must be directed and supervised by a physiotherapist,” concludes Casales.