To begin therapy with ThermaCare Joint & Arthritis Pain Knee & Elbow HeatWraps, follow these easy steps.
- Tear open pouch when ready to use. It may take up to 30 minutes for ThermaCare to reach its therapeutic temperature.
- Peel away paper to reveal adhesive tabs. Using adhesive is optional if you have sensitive skin or have body hair around the knee or elbow area.
- Knee: Do not place the heat cells on the back of the knee. Bend knee slightly and place opening over kneecap. Secure tabs to skin (optional). Wrap straps around knee and fasten. Over-tightening may cause discomfort. Adjust as needed.
Elbow: Do not place the heat cells on the inside of the bend of the arm. Bend elbow slightly and place opening over elbow. Secure tabs to skin (optional). Wrap straps around elbow and fasten. Over-tightening may cause discomfort. Adjust as needed.
- For maximum effectiveness, we recommend you wear ThermaCare Joint & Arthritis Pain for 12 hours.
Do not use for more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period. Please keep in mind not everyone senses heat on the knee/elbow the same. Therefore, the product may not feel as warm as you might expect.
Additional Application Tips
- Be sure that your skin in the area you are going to apply the HeatWrap is clean, dry, and free of makeup, recently applied skin moisturizers, lotions, and any other topical products (especially medicated products and patches).
- While applying the HeatWrap, position the wrap where you want it by lightly pressing the tabs into place on your skin. Make adjustments. When you are satisfied with the HeatWrap’s placement, rub over the adhesive tabs firmly to "lock" them in place.
- Use care when handling the adhesive tabs; getting lotions, clothing lint, hair, makeup etc may prevent the adhesive from working. If you find that you have difficulty getting the adhesive to stick to certain areas of your skin, try cleansing the area of skin oils just before you apply the HeatWrap. After cleansing, dry your skin thoroughly before attaching the adhesive tabs.
- If you are planning to wear the HeatWrap more than once (i.e., wear the wrap, remove it, set it aside, and then reapply it later), be sure to save the peel paper that you removed during application so that you can reapply it over the adhesive tabs when setting the wrap aside. This will help to keep the tabs clean until you reapply the wrap.
- The ThermaCare adhesive can be fastened to your skin and then refastened, allowing you to adjust the wrap and achieve a more comfortable fit. But be careful not to readjust too often. The adhesive can become less effective after it has been removed and reused several times.
- Water on your skin (including perspiration) can temporarily prevent the adhesive from sticking to your skin. If your skin becomes wet or damp while wearing the wrap and you find that the adhesive is not sticking, then remove the HeatWrap, thoroughly dry the area where you would like to wear the wrap, and reapply.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS BEFORE USE. ADDITIONAL WARNINGS ARE INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE INSERT. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF BURNS, FIRE, AND PERSONAL INJURY, THIS PRODUCT MUST BE USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE USE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
Warnings
THIS PRODUCT CAN CAUSE BURNS. Check skin frequently during use. If you find irritation or a burn, remove product immediately. Your risk of burning increases as you age. If you are 55 years of age or older, wear ThermaCare over a towel or cloth such as a washcloth, not directly against your skin, and do not wear while sleeping. Each heat disc contains iron (~2 grams), which can be harmful if ingested. If ingested, rinse mouth with water and call a poison control center right away. If heat disc contents come in contact with your skin or eyes, rinse right away with water. Never heat product in microwave or attempt to reheat, as heat wrap could catch fire. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
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 children, infants, and some elderly; on areas of the body where you can't feel heat; or with other forms of heat.
STOP USE AND ASK A PHYSICIAN if you experience any discomfort, burning, swelling, rash, or other changes in your skin that persist where the wrap is worn. If after 7 days your pain gets worse or remains unchanged, this may be a sign of a more serious condition.
ASK A PHYSICIAN BEFORE USE if you have DIABETES, poor circulation or heart disease, or rheumatoid arthritis, or you are pregnant.
