Wax bath therapy

Wax bath therapy is intended to moisturise, soften the skin, improve blood circulation and reduce pain of joints. The wax bath uses paraffin wax that is soft and melts at a lower temperature than normal, therefore it does not cause any burns or blisters. It is quite beneficial for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, Raynaud's or any rheumatic pains. Paraffin wax is also known to help muscle relaxation and muscle movement.

If you have an open ulcer/wound DO NOT put your hands directly into the paraffin wax. However, you can put on latex/non latex gloves to protect the wound before putting them into the paraffin wax bath. You can wax your hands or feet as often as you please and the more often you do it the more beneficial you would find it. It is suggested to use the wax 3 times a week.

Wax bath equipment

You will need a paraffin wax bath, a pair of mittens and about 1 kg (2lb) of paraffin wax. If you look after the paraffin wax, you may reuse it and it may last almost 2 years or more. You will need a paraffin wax bath that has a thermostat, so that you can be able to control the heat and avoid overheating. We strongly recommend you test a small area on the inside of your wrist prior to full immersion of your hands or feet. You may be able to purchase your own paraffin wax bath online, you would just need to type the words 'paraffin wax bath' in the search box.

How to have a wax bath

1. Melt the wax in the paraffin wax bath. Do not immerse your hands or feet into the wax at this time.

2. Once melted and at the right temperature according to the thermostat, allow the wax to cool a little.

3. Wash your hands or feet thoroughly before using the wax.

4. Test a small area on the inside of your wrist to make sure the temperature is suitable for you before you fully immerse your hands or feet.

5. Dip your hands or feet into the wax and then completely remove them. Allow the wax to begin solidifying. Rapidly re-dip for another few seconds and remove again. Separate the fingers or toes before dipping to allow the wax to coat all around them.

6. Repeat the process until you have built up to four or five layers. Then rapidly wrap the hand with one of the following: a. Plastic liner b. Foil c. Greaseproof paper d. Roasting bag. When they are in place put your hand or foot inside the mitten or you can use an old towel and wrap it around your hand or foot.

7. Leave the mitten or the towel for approximately 20-30 minutes.

8. Peel off the wax and make it into a ball, exercising the fingers by gripping and un-gripping the wax before returning it to the pan for future use.

9. Moisturise your hands/feet using emollients or moisturisers.

10.Continue to exercise the joints for at least ten minutes after the procedure.

Paraffin wax bath bath or also known as paraffin wax heat therapy bath is one of the moist heat therapy modalities that we use in our physio clinics by our senior hand therapist. It's used specificly to

• loosen tight joints and soft tissues
• improves circulation
• soothes soft tissues, joint stiffness and muscle pains

Today, paraffin wax bath moist heat treatment is commonly used in physio clinics, especially in outpatient centers for the treatment of conditions such as:

Paraffin wax bath moist heat treatment is also commonly used in physiotherapy management and treatment of sports injuries plus other forms of disorders and injuries where heat therapy and exercise therapy are required.

An additional benefit of paraffin wax bath therapy is that on top of its function as a therapy modality and heat, the wax itself is rich in minerals and heat results in

• soothes and moisturizes the human body, the skin, opens pores
• increases blood flow and circulation
  
• creates a general sense of relaxation and calm effect on patients

Paraffin wax is a natural component of crude mineral oils, produced by refining or separating the wax out of the crude mineral oils. To purify it, it has to be boiled, then cooled, then filtered into a heavy wax-oil substance, finishing as the paraffin wax. It is laboratory tested to be safe for external use, and hygienic. The wax that we use is colorless, tasteless, and tends to be unscented (though sometimes we add a little scented type too).

Paraffin wax bath bath moist heat treatment decreases pain, aches and stiffness in muscles and joints by removing any excess fluids from surrounding soft tissues whilst providing heat and natural lubrication to the desired part.

However, this treatment is contraindicated / not suitable or recommended for people with the following conditions:

1. Hypertension
2. Diabetes mellitus
3. Varicose Veins
4. Skin sensitivity to mineral oils
5. Skin sensitivty to heat
6. Open wounds
   

WHAT IS WAX THERAPY?

Wax therapy is a form of deep heat therapy one of the most effective ways of applying heat to improve mobility by warming the connective tissues.  Wax Therapy, involves the application of molten paraffin wax, to the connecting tissues causing muscle relaxation and improves joint mobility. It is mainly used to treat Painful hands and feet. It is basically used in combination with the common mobilizing techniques and customized exercise programs to achieve better results.

EFFECTS OF WAX THERAPY.

It is an ideal therapy that helps in

• Relieving pain
• Decreases joint stiffness
• Helps in increasing the blood flow
• Decrease joint stiffness
• Decreases muscle spasms
• Decreases inflammation.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

You need a paraffin wax bath, a pair of mittens, and about 1 kg (2lb) of paraffin wax. If you look after the paraffin wax, you may reuse it and it may last almost 2 years or more. You will need a paraffin wax bath that has a thermostat so that you can be able to control the heat and avoid overheating. We strongly recommend you test a small area on the inside of your wrist prior to a full immersion of your hands or feet. In Wax Therapy, Molten Paraffin wax is applied to the skin in the form of layers so that it gets build up. Then the wax starts getting hard upon coming in contact with air away from the wax bath. The wax is then peeled off with no pain and the area is now ready for Massage, Exercise, Stretching or any additional therapeutic measures.

APPLICATION OF WAX THERAPY

• Melt the wax in the paraffin wax bath. Do not immerse your hands or feet into the wax at this time.
•  Once melted at the right temperature according to the thermostat, allow the wax to cool a little.
• Wash your hands or feet thoroughly before using the wax.
• Test a small area on the inside of your wrist to make sure the temperature is suitable for you before you fully immerse your hands or feet.
• Dip your hands or feet into the wax and then completely remove them. Allow the wax to begin solidifying. Rapidly re-dip for another few seconds and remove again.         Separate the fingers or toes before dipping to allow the wax to coat all around them.
• Repeat the process until you have built up to four or five layers. Then rapidly wrap the hand with one of the following: a. Plastic liner b. Foil c. Greaseproof paper d.         Roasting bag. When they are in place put your hand or foot inside the mitten or you can use an old towel and wrap it around your hand or foot.
•        Leave the mitten or the towel for approximately 20-30 minutes.
• Peel off the wax and make it into a ball, exercising the fingers by gripping and un-gripping the wax before returning it to the pan for future use.
• Moisturizes your hands/feet using emollients or moisturizers.
• Continue to exercise the joints for at least ten minutes after the procedure.
• Make sure the wax temperature is not more than 51-degree centigrade when you start your treatment

CONDITIONS TREATED.

Wax Therapy is a painless, relaxing, and pleasurable treatment. It soothes chronic joint pain and relaxes stiff muscles. It is used to treat the conditions like:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Joint Mobility issues
• Scleroderma
• Raynaud's or any rheumatic pains

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?

Paraffin wax is tested in a lab to make sure it’s safe and hygienic to use on the body. It’s completely natural and has a low melting point, which means it can be easily applied to the skin at a temperature low enough not to cause burns or blisters. However, if you have very sensitive skin, paraffin wax may cause heat rash. Heat rash results in small red bumps on the skin that can be itchy and uncomfortable.

CONTRAINDICATIONS.

• Numbness in your hands or feet
• Diabetes
• Skin rashes
• Wounds
• Cuts
• Open Sores
• Inflammatory Skin Conditions