Paraffin Wax Treatment: Everything You Need to Know

Paraffin Wax Treatment is a deep heat therapy that can be used to relieve stiffness in joints, relax sore muscles, soothe dry skin and increase blood circulation. During the treatment process, heated oil-based wax is applied to specific areas of the body and is then left to cool before being peeled off. This is one of the most effective methods of deep heat therapy (sometimes called Thermotherapy), and aside from clinical use for muscle injuries, chronic joint conditions and skin disorders, it can also be used to soften skin during facials, manicures and pedicures. 

What Can It Be Used for?

Paraffin wax therapy can be used to soothe and relax muscles, making it ideal for use during therapeutic massage. This includes use on athletes and sports players undergoing rehabilitation therapy for a muscle injury. The treatment also reduces stiffness and inflammation in chronic conditions such as arthritis and bursitis, increasing range of motion in stiff joints. As the process opens pores and traps moisture in the underlying layers of the skin, it is effective for soothing and softening skin. This makes it ideal for use on patients with chronic skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition to moisturising and softening skin, the wax also removes dead skin cells as it is peeled off, making it beneficial for use during facials, manicures and pedicures. 

How Does It Work?

Before the treatment starts, a bath of paraffin wax is heated to about 51.7°C (it is important that this is controlled to avoid skin burns). Once melted, the hot wax is applied to specific areas of the body (depending on where treatment is needed). Feet and hands can be dipped into the wax bath a couple of times and then left to cool, but you will need to brush wax onto other areas of the body using a special applicator brush.  You can maximise the benefits of the treatment by applying multiple layers of wax. Leave the wax on the skin until it has cooled and hardened completely, then peel it off and discard it.

Why It Is Effective

The reason why this treatment is one of the best deep heat therapies is because paraffin wax absorbs and retains heat extremely well, effectively transferring it to the core of the affected area/s as it cools and hardens. 

Is It Safe?

Paraffin wax is entirely natural, safe and drug-free, so this treatment method is suitable for most individuals. However, this therapy is not suitable for use on individuals with diabetes, poor circulation or numbness in their hands and feet. Paraffin wax should also never be applied to rashes or open sores. 

Treatment Tips

Here are some handy tips to help you get the most out of a Paraffin Wax Therapy:

• It’s best to use a professional-grade warming unit, such as the TheraBath Large Paraffin Wax Bath to ensure that the wax is heated to the correct temperature. 
• Paraffin wax can be bought in various forms, including beads and blocks.
• If you like, you can buy scented paraffin wax, or you can add essential oils such as lavender, tea tree and peppermint oil once the wax has melted.

Buy Paraffin Wax Therapy Equipment and Supplies from Medical Supplies

Looking for Paraffin Wax Therapy supplies? You’ve come to the right place! At Medical Supplies we sell medical-grade paraffin wax, heating baths, mitts, boots, wraps and plastic liners. Click here to browse our complete range of Paraffin Wax Treatment products.