ParaSpa Plus Paraffin Bath Benefits and Tips for Arthritis Relief

Using Paraffin Baths to Soothe Arthritis Discomfort

If you suffer from arthritis pain, seeking relief becomes a top priority. Many people with arthritis look to paraffin wax bath treatments to ease swelling and discomfort in their hands and feet. But does submerging affected joints in warm, moist wax really make a difference?

Understanding Paraffin Wax Baths

Paraffin wax comes from petroleum or shale oil. It's often used in beauty treatments for smooth, supple skin. But it also has therapeutic properties that provide localized heat therapy and soothing.

To use paraffin wax for arthritis relief, the affected body part gets submerged in a warm wax bath. As the wax solidifies, it forms a protective layer retaining the warmth against joints. The goal is reducing inflammation and stiffness to improve mobility.

The ParaSpa Plus Paraffin Bath by HoMedics

One popular at-home device for paraffin bath therapy is the HoMedics ParaSpa Plus. This system includes:

• Controlled heating unit
• Detachable spa
• Forms for hands and feet
• Lavender scented wax
• Mitts and booties
• Instruction guide

The product promises to deliver moist heat treatment comparable to professional salon paraffin dipping. Continuous use is said reduce arthritis symptoms over time. But does it match these claims for real relief?

Benefits of Using Paraffin for Arthritis Joints

Both cold and heat therapies can help temporarily reduce arthritis pain and stiffness. But research has shown paraffin's signature warmth offers some unique advantages, including:

Deep Penetrating Heat

The wax's low conductivity rate allows more gradual warming 3-5mm below skin's surface where inflammation resides around joints and tendons. This delivers targeted comfort.

Long Lasting Mobility Improvement

Studies demonstrate paraffin can extend increased hand functionality for up to 48 hours before arthritis tightness returns to baseline.

Natural Pain Relief

When blood vessels dilate thanks to the warmth, circulation increases to boost tissue oxygenation and remove pain-inducing inflammatory markers near nerve endings.

Reduced Stiffness

Warm wax therapy encourages relaxation of stiff hand and foot joints by relaxing muscles and tendons for better flexibility of movement.

What to Expect When Using an At-Home Paraffin Bath

Wonder what a session is like with the ParaSpa Plus? Here's a step-by-step overview:

Prep the Wax

Fill the detachable basin about 34 full with wax beads. Then insert into the electrical unit. Set the desired heat level: low, medium or high presets. Wait 15-20 minutes for complete melting before dipping.

Insert Extremities

Once wax is ready, dip your bare hands palm-down into bowl with fingers spread (feet can be treated too). Slowly submerge one side at a time up to the wrist.Repeat on other hand. Leave immersed for about 10 minutes up to knuckles.

Let Solidify

Very slowly lift each hand straight up, letting any drips fall off before rotating horizontally. Allow the wax coating to completely harden into a glove around the skin for 5-10 minutes until no longer tacky.

Wrap It Up

For extra insulation and mess prevention, slide on included plastic mitts or booties over wax covered areas until ready to remove. This retains more heat against the stiff joints.

Peel Wax Off

Once wax has cooled, gently tug at edges and peel downward toward fingers/toes to remove in one piece. Revealing soft, soothed skin underneath!

Maximizing Your At-Home Paraffin Therapy Sessions

Using your ParaSpa Plus most effectively ensures the best arthritis relief between dips into the wax. Follow these pro tips:

Supplement With Range of Motion Exercises

Gently rotating wrists and stretching fingers while masked in wax boosts blood flow while joints are relaxed for extended pain relief and mobility.

Increase Duration Over Time

Start with 10 minutes wax immersion, building up to 20-25 minutes as skin adapts to improve circulation benefits.

Use Consistently

Daily paraffin therapy works best, but 2-3x weekly can still make a difference. Consistency is key for compounding effects over time.

Try Alternating Heat Settings

Switch between low, medium and high temps to prevent skin adapting to one consistent temperature. This prevents plateauing benefits.

Moisturize After

Applying lotion while skin is still warm and porous after wax removal boosts absorption to nourish and smooth affected areas.

Clinical Research on Paraffin Bath Benefits

Multiple studies have analyzed impacts of paraffin wax treatments on various arthritis-related metrics. Heres some of the evidence:

Pain Reduction

Up to a 4 point decrease on a 10 point visual pain scale lasted for 48 hours after hands were dipped in paraffin up to 5 times/week for 6 straight weeks.

Grip Strength Gains

Paraffin therapy increased grip power in arthritis patients by an average of 18% maintained for 2 days before dropping, signaling reduced inflammation.

Morning Joint Stiffness Relief

Dippping affected hands for 25 minutes before bed helped participants reduce AM finger stiffness rigidity scores by average of 20%, improving functionality.

Potential Side Effects

Paraffin wax therapy is considered quite safe with minimal risks. But be aware of the following:

Skin Sensitivity Reactions

Allergic contact dermatitis is unlikely but possible if skin is irritated by ingredients in wax, mitts or covers.

Burn Risk

Excessively high heat settings or leaving extremities submerged too long can case uncomfortable burns. Adjust as needed.

Increased Swelling If Overused

While heat therapy helps initially, overdoing it with no breaks can worsen inflammation for some arthritis sufferers.

Daily Habits That Compliment Paraffin Therapy

While paraffin wax offers proven arthritis relief, pairing it with healthy lifestyle habits provides even greater healing results. Additional tips include:

Regular Exercise

Gentle daily movement provides lasting flexibility when combined with paraffins temporary relaxing effects.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Eating more fish, veggies, olive oil etc. while limiting red meat, dairy and gluten also calms joint irritation.

Stress Reduction Practices

Yoga, meditation and massage lower whole body inflammation when done regularly.

Using these holistic health strategies alongside consistent paraffin therapy delivers optimal symptom relief for arthritis sufferers looking to improve mobility and comfort.

The Bottom Line on Paraffin Wax Baths for Arthritis

Research and countless user reviews demonstrate paraffin wax baths successfully provide temporary yet meaningful arthritis relief when used properly and consistently.

Seeking professional physical therapy guidance is still wise. But an at-home device like the ParaSpa Plus enables continuing the benefits of heat and wax therapy between appointments for multiplied effects over time.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.