ThermaCare is an air-activated heat wrap using real heat that penetrates deeply to soothe and relax tight muscles. It gives 8 hours of relief while you wear it. And the long-lasting relief continues even after you take it off. Apply it right where you hurt for temporary relief of minor muscular and joint aches and pains associated with overexertion, strains, sprains and arthritis; and for minor menstrual cramp pain and associated back aches.
When to Use ThermaCare
- Apply ThermaCare at the first stages of pain—early treatment can help keep the pain from interfering with your life.
- ThermaCare can be used on various types of pain, including:
- Back aches
- Sore and tight muscles
- Overexertion
- Sprains and strains
- Joint pain
- Minor pain associated with arthritis
- Menstrual cramps
- You can use ThermaCare Lower Back & Hip HeatWraps and Neck, Shoulder & Wrist HeatWraps for 8 hours a day, 7 days in a row* for muscle pain.
- You can use ThermaCare Joint & Arthritis Pain Knee & Elbow and Hand & Wrist HeatWraps for 12 hours a day, 7 days in a row* for joint and arthritis pain.
- You can use ThermaCare Menstrual Patch for 8 hours a day, 4 days in a row* for menstrual cramp pain.
*Use as directed
Note: Heat should not be used on areas of swelling and bruising. (If swelling occurs, use ice, and then apply heat after the swelling has gone away at least 48 hours.) Do not use for more than 8 hours (or 12 hours for ThermaCare Joint & Arthritis Pain) in any 24-hour period. For best results, use as directed for the full 8 hours (or 12 hours for ThermaCare Joint & Arthritis Pain).
Safety & Usage
Uses
ThermaCare HeatWraps provide temporary relief of minor muscular and joint aches and pains associated with overexertion, strains, sprains, arthritis, and menstrual-cramp pain.
*Use as directed.
Directions
Consult the carton or pouch for specific use directions, as they differ among the various versions of ThermaCare.
Ingestion Warning
Each heat disc contains iron (~2 grams), which can be harmful if ingested. If ingested, rinse mouth with water and call a poison control centre right way. If heat disc contents come in contact with your skin or eyes, rinse right away with water.
Microwave Warning
Never heat product in microwave or attempt to reheat as heat wrap could catch fire.
Do not use:
- With pain rubs, medicated lotions, creams, or ointments
- On unhealthy, damaged, or broken skin
- On areas of bruising or swelling that have occurred within 48 hours
- On people unable to follow all use instructions or remove the product, including young children, infants, and some elderly
- On areas of the body where heat cannot be felt
- With other forms of heat
- With heat cells applied to the back of the knee, inner fold of elbow, or the palm of the hand
Ask a doctor before use if you:
- Have DIABETES
- Have heart disease
- Have poor blood circulation
- Have rheumatoid arthritis
- Are pregnant
When using this product:
- If product feels too hot or skin is painful: Remove the wrap, check your skin, and either stop use or wear over clothing if no signs of skin irritation or a burn are present.
- Do not place extra pressure over the product such as leaning against hard surfaces, or wearing under tight clothing, a tight waistband, or a belt.
- Do not use for more than 8 hours (ThermaCare) or 12 hours (ThermaCare Joint & Arthritis Pain) in any 24-hour period.
- Consult the carton or pouch for specific use directions.
Stop use and ask a physician:
- If you experience any discomfort, swelling, rash, or other changes in your skin that persist where the wrap is worn.
- If after 7 days of product use (4 days for menstrual product) the pain you are treating gets worse or remains unchanged. This may be a sign of a more serious condition.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Skin Warning
THIS PRODUCT CAN CAUSE BURNS AND SKIN IRRITATION. Your risk of burning increases as you age. If you are 55 years or older, wear a ThermaCare Lower Back & Hip product over a layer of clothing or ThermaCare Joint & Arthritis Pain Knee & Elbow product over a layer of towel/wash cloth and not directly against your skin. For all products, check skin frequently during use for signs of skin irritations or burns. If you find any, remove immediately. Do not place heat cells on the back of the knee or the inside fold of elbow, as this may increase your risk of burns. Do not use ThermaCare in the same location on your body for more than 8 hours (ThermaCare) or 12 hours (ThermaCare Joint & Arthritis Pain) in any 24-hour period.
Aging Skin
With age, the skin becomes thinner and your circulation changes. Good blood circulation is needed to remove heat from your skin and protect it from burning. In general, beginning around your 50s some people can experience a burn at a lower temperature than they would have when they were younger. If you feel your sensitivity to heat has changed over time, wear ThermaCare over clothing or a towel instead of directly against your skin. Check your skin frequently for signs of a burn and consider wearing for a shorter time than the full 8 hours (ThermaCare) or 12 hours (ThermaCare Joint & Arthritis Pain). Wearing over clothing or a towel will reduce (but may not eliminate) your chances of experiencing a burn. If you are still concerned, consult with your physician as the one most familiar with your health who can determine the best treatment options for your pain.
Diabetics
All diabetics should consult with their physician prior to using ThermaCare or any heating product. Some diabetics are not good candidates for heat therapy and are at increased risk of burning because of circulatory problems and decreased nerve function. In these individuals, heat therapy is not appropriate because poor circulation leads to higher skin temperature and a greater risk of burning. With decreased nerve function, it is less likely that a diabetic would feel it if a burn was occurring. Some diabetics also have difficulty healing from a skin wound. If you are diabetic and your physician recommends ThermaCare, wear the product over clothing or a towel instead of directly against your skin. Check your skin frequently for signs of a burn and consider wearing for a shorter time than the full 8 hours (ThermaCare) or 12 hours (ThermaCare Joint & Arthritis Pain). Wearing over clothing or a towel will reduce (but may not eliminate) your chances of experiencing a burn. If you are still concerned, consult with your physician as the one most familiar with your health who can determine the best treatment options for your pain.
Poor Circulation or Heart Disease
The body responds to heat by dilating (or widening) the blood vessels in the skin (termed vasodilation). This brings more blood towards the surface of the skin and allows for the blood to take the heat away from the skin surface. This is similar to the redness in your skin after taking a hot shower or bath. Some individuals who have poor circulation or heart disease lack the ability to bring this blood supply to the surface of the skin and are unable to keep the skin temperature low enough to avoid a burn. If you have poor circulation or heart disease, you should consult with your physician to determine if you are a good candidate for heat therapy. If your physician recommends ThermaCare, wear the product over clothing or a towel instead of directly against your skin. Check your skin frequently for signs of a burn and consider wearing for a shorter time than the full 8 hours (ThermaCare) or 12 hours (ThermaCare Joint & Arthritis Pain). Wearing over clothing or a towel will reduce (but may not eliminate) your chances of experiencing a burn. If you are still concerned, consult with your physician as the one most familiar with your health who can determine the best treatment options for your pain.
Pressure Over the Wrap and Wrap Bunching
Placing pressure over ThermaCare can increase your chances of experiencing a burn by increasing the transfer of heat to the skin and decreasing the ability of your circulation to remove heat from the skin. This can occur when the Lower Back & Hip HeatWrap is worn under an elastic waistband or under a tight belt. Thus, do not wear ThermaCare underneath waistbands, belts, or other tight clothing where pressure on the wrap could increase your risk of burns. If the wrap bunches or folds during wear and the heat cells overlap each other, they can get hotter and this can increase your risk of a burn. Make sure to use the product that is designed for the body part you intend to treat. ThermaCare is specially designed for the lower back, hip, neck, shoulder, abdomen (menstrual product), knee, elbow, hand and wrist areas. Never fold the wrap upon itself and apply it to the skin. Make sure the heat cells lay flat against the skin; you may need to adjust during wear. Never apply the heat cells to the back of the knee or the inside fold of elbow as this may increase your risk of burns.