Placing an object, warmed above body temperature, on a body part to increase blood flow or provide relief of pain.

Heat should not be applied to extremities with reduced blood supply, as could be the case in most forms of arteriosclerosis or advanced diabetes.
Dry or moist heat sources may be used. Dry applications include hot water bottles, radiant heat, electric pads, and diathermy. Moist heat is considered more penetrating than dry heat, but this is due more to the fact that water-soaked materials lose heat slower than dry ones. The application should be approx. 120°F (48.9°C). Compresses may be kept warm by keeping hot water bottles at the proper temperature next to them. Do not use electric heating devices next to moist dressings. Devices that force hot water at a selected temperature through soft flexible tubing surrounding a part are available. These may be used to heat wet or dry compresses.

Main entry:
heat