What is the difference between moist and dry heat?
Moist and dry heat are the most common superficial heat therapy treatments. However, moist heat is more effective than dry heat in providing deeper penetration of the tissue at the same temperatures. Moist heat also has additional capacity to change the tissue temperature rapidly and obtain more vigorous response from temperature receptors. Patients often report greater relief of symptoms from moist heat. Moist heat can speed recovery by increasing blood flow to the targeted area. This increased circulation brings in fresh blood and takes away the wastes which may slow healing.
In addition, patients usually respond better to moist heat therapy rather than dry heat therapy and it has been reported that moist heat therapy provides relief to a greater number of symptoms.
Moist heat can be used to heal many different conditions such as pain, stiffness, and deep muscle spasms.
