Known for its healing and rejuvenating properties since the days of the Roman Empire, paraffin wax therapy is an effective way to speed healing, provide muscle and joint pain relief, and remedy a variety of skin conditions.
Ancient Romans poured hot wax on the body in preparation for massage therapy; the French melted paraffin wax and spread it on wounds to speed up the healing process; and the British used paraffin wax therapy in World War I military hospitals to treat orthopedic disorders.
Today, paraffin therapy is acclaimed by rehabilitation specialists, massage therapists, and spa/salon professionals worldwide for its therapeutic properties.
What is paraffin wax and how does it provide therapeutic benefits?
Paraffin wax is a naturally-occurring component of crude mineral oils. It is produced by refining or separating the wax out of the crude mineral oils. It is molecularly heavy, colorless, tasteless, odorless oil which is created by boiling and then chilling and pressing it through a filter. It is lab tested as hygienically safe.
The nourishing and rejuvenating effects of paraffin on the skin are a result of its heavy weight which improves blood flow to the treated area trapping moisture from underlying layers of the skin. It promotes and overall sense of calm and peace in patients by soothing and moisturizing skin, opening pores, and increasing circulation.
Paraffin therapy also removes excess fluid from surrounding tissue while providing lubrication, thus reducing joint pain and stiffness. Liquefied paraffin, known as a deep heat therapy, is very efficient at retaining heat—it is used where heat and exercise therapies are needed in the treatment of sports related injuries and other health conditions.
What conditions can be treated with paraffin wax therapy?
The most common conditions that paraffin therapy is used to treat include:
· Inflammatory conditions such as: arthritis, bursitis, and fibromyalgia
· Skin conditions such as: eczema, psoriasis, fibrosis, and scar tissue
· Joint conditions such as: tendonitis, stiff joints, and tennis elbow
· Muscle spasms and overworked/fatigued muscles
Paraffin treatments are not recommended or beneficial for hypertension, diabetes, and varicose veins.
What can I expect during a paraffin wax treatment?
During a paraffin wax treatment for foot or hand pain relief, a trained massage therapist or spa/salon professional will ask you to remove all jewelry. He or she will thoroughly wash, dry, and relax the body part being treated. The body part will then be immersed gradually into the warm paraffin wax. Layers of paraffin wax will build up and then harden. Once treatment is complete, your therapist/spa provider will peel off the wax and you are now ready for additional therapeutic measures, massage, stretching, or exercise.
Our clients in York PA enjoy adding paraffin wax therapy onto one of their other treatments. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with the chiropractor or massage therapist today.