Paraffin Wax Bath Therapy

A paraffin wax treatment has significant physical benefits and can also help people with arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Paraffin Wax bath therapy: What is it?

One of the best ways to increase mobility is through paraffin wax bath therapy, which is a form of deep heat therapy that involves heating connective soft tissues. Paraffin oil and wax are commonly used in wax bath therapy to treat pain in the hands, joints, feet, and muscles. The melting point of wax is between 51 and 54.4°C, and its specific temperature falls between 42 and 52°C.

Since melted wax can burn the skin, it should not be applied directly to any part of the body. In order to get around this, paraffin oil is frequently added to wax to lower its melting point. Melted wax is applied to the afflicted area as part of a wax bath therapy, which promotes joint flexibility and muscle relaxation. It is primarily used to relieve hand and foot pain. For best effects, it is combined with specific programs of exercise and conventional mobilization techniques.

Physical The concept:

The passage of heat during paraffin wax Bath therapy works by allowing the solid paraffin wax layer to conduct heat into the skin. When warm paraffin wax is applied to the skin, it improves circulation, stimulates healing, and takes toxins out of the skin, all of which lead to the blood vessels expanding.

How Do You Use a paraffin Wax Bath Unit?

Its melting point is between 51 and 55°C, and the temperature range for paraffin wax is 42 to 52°C. The addition of a substance, such as mineral oil, liquid paraffin, or petroleum jelly, lowers the melting point of molten wax, which can cause a thermal effect or burn when sprayed on biological tissue at 51–55°C.

Patients are able to tolerate heat better from paraffin wax more gracefully than from water at the same temperature when paraffin and mineral oil are combined because of the lower typical heat of the former.
Petroleum jelly, liquid paraffin, and solid wax have the following ratios: 2:1:1.

The optimal paraffin wax to mineral oil ratio is 7:1/6:1. The transfer of heat from paraffin to a patient’s skin is known as conduction.

Components of the paraffin wax bath:

• The stainless steel, fiberglass shells, and varnished bathtubs make up the wax bath unit.
• Wax and paraffin oil are combined in the jar in the exact amount specified.
• By turning a switch, the control panel keeps the temperature where it is set.
• When the temperature control is turned on or off, it is indicated by the pilot lamp.
• An indicator of the power status is the power pilot’s lamp.
• It is simple to move the wax bath container from one place to another thanks to the caster and closure cover container.

What is the process of Wax Bath Therapy?

Mittens and about one kilogram (2 pounds) of paraffin wax are required, along with a paraffin wax bath. It is possible to reuse paraffin wax for up to two years if it is properly maintained. For temperature control and to avoid overheating, you will require a paraffin wax bath connected with a controller. We strongly suggest that before completely submerging your hands or feet, you test a small area on the inside of your wrist.

The skin is built up by applying layers of melted paraffin wax. When the wax comes into contact with air outside of the wax bath, it starts to freeze. The area is then free for massage therapy, exercise, stretching, and other therapeutic procedures after the wax is gently removed.

Preparation of Patient:

• Before administering a paraffin wax bath, explain the process to the patient (PWB).
• Make the affected body part visible.
• Take off any metal or jewelry you may have.
• Examine the patient’s level of sensation.
• Verify if there are any contraindications.
• Check the affected body part in detail.
• Make sure the patient is positioned comfortably.
• Before starting treatment, check the thermostat’s selected temperature.
• Verify the bath’s temperature.
• Choose an application method that is right or convenient.

How to Use paraffin Wax Bath Therapy:

• Using a paraffin wax bath, melt the wax. You should not immerse your hands or feet in wax during this time.
• Let the wax cool slightly after it has melted to the proper temperature indicated by the heating system.
• Before using the wax, clean your hands, legs or parts on which you are applying wax thoroughly .
• Make sure the temperature is right for you by testing a small area on the inside of your wrist before completely immersing your hands or feet.
• After immersing your hands or feet in the wax, take them out completely.
• Give the wax time to begin forming. After a short amount of time, re-dip and remove.
• To ensure a complete covering of wax, apart the fingers and toes before dipping.
• Four to five layers of wax should be applied on hands and legs.
• Next, quickly encircle the hand with one of the following : foil, plastic liners, or paper that repels grease can all be used.
• Once they are in position, cover them with a towel.
• Keep the towel for 10 to 15 minutes, before removing it.
• Take out the wax then use your fingers to get it into a circle. Next, put it back in the pan for later use by gripping and releasing it.
• Use lotions or fluids, to hydrate your hands and feet. Do at least ten minutes of joint exercise following the treatment.
• When starting your treatment, confirm that the temperature of the wax is not greater than 51 degrees Celsius.

Technique of Use:

There are various techniques that can be used to apply paraffin wax, such as:

• Dip method

The patient will be instructed by the therapist to dip their hands and feet in the paraffin wax bath (PWB). After the paraffin has thickened and covered the skin, remove the extremities. You should dip eight to twelve times to create a thick layer. After a thick layer of wax has formed, first cover the treated area with a plastic wrap and then with a towel. This kind of paraffin wax bath (PWB) promotes low temperatures. Treatment should be given for 10 to 15 minutes or till the solidification of wax.

• Immersion Technique

With this immersion technique, the patient is instructed by the therapist to immerse their extremities three or four times at minimum, until a thick layer of paraffin wax forms. Strong heating of the affected extremity is made possible by this paraffin wax bath (PWB) method.

• Brush method

During this process, the therapist applies eight to ten coats of wax to the affected body area quickly and evenly with a paintbrush. After a thick layer of wax has formed, cover the treated area for ten to twenty minutes with a towel after wrapping it in plastic. This method of Paraffin wax baths (PWB) are used more frequently.

• The Application of Bandages

During this process, the therapist wraps the treated area with a bandage or cloth that is the right size and has been dipped in paraffin wax. The bandage can then be rested or filled with extra wax. This method is frequently used to treat the body’s proximal regions.

• Pouring Technique

During this process, the therapist will directly pour wax over the area that needs to be treated using a mug or spoon. To create a thick layer, pour wax no more than seven to ten times, cover with plastic, and wrap in a towel. Ten to fifteen minutes is the duration of the treatment. This method is extensively applied to elbows and knees.

Benefits of paraffin Wax Bath Treatment:

There is significant medical benefit to paraffin wax bath therapy.

In addition to being able to be used for heat therapy, paraffin wax bath therapy has two main advantages: it softens and moisturizes the skin.

The hands and feet can receive heat therapy with paraffin wax bath therapy. Simply melt the wax, check the temperature, and immerse your hands or feet in it to apply heat treatment. This may improve circulation and increase blood flow to the affected area, which may help relieve tense muscles and joints.

This type of heat therapy may help people with different kinds of arthritis relieve pain, stiffness, and swelling while also improving their range of motion and flexibility.

• Exercises for therapy can come after this.
• It can be done to complete at home.
• Conduction divides heat equally.
• Recommended for patients with dry, rough skin, low heat tolerance, and post-plaster of Paris removal.

What side effects can paraffin wax bath therapy cause?

Although wax treatments are generally safe for most people, there are a few possible side effects to be mindful of:

• Burns: Avoid applying wax to skin if wax is too hot to avoid getting burned.
• Sensitivity reactions: the components in wax or the additions used in scented versions may cause sensitivities in certain people.
• Skin discomfort: In rare cases, the application of wax may aggravate existing skin conditions.

Which conditions can be treated by bathing in paraffin wax?

An relaxing, calming, and painless treatment is wax bath therapy. It releases tense muscles and reduces persistent joint pain. It covers issues such as:

• The arthritis rheumatoid.
• The fibromyalgia
• Issues with Joint Mobility.
• Raynaud’s disease or other symptoms related to arthritis.

What is the number of required paraffin wax bath therapy sessions? 

The number of sessions required varies it depends upon the health and therapeutic objectives of the individual. While some people may see a significant reduction after just one session, others might require multiple sessions over time to see the results they want. The best person to counsel you on the right amount and duration of therapy based on your individual needs is your physical therapist.

Paraffin Wax Bath Therapy Contraindications:

• Poor control of temperature.
• carcinoma: may encourage the growth of tumors.
• dementia, for example, is a refusal to express or react to pain.
• Poor sensation: Burns may result from damage to the spinal cord.
• Increased heat and blood flow through the veins and arteries are signs of hemorrhage.
• Diffusion across the membrane increases in cases of inflammation or acute injury.

Paraffin wax bath therapy adverse features:

Although paraffin wax therapy is generally thought to be safe and beneficial for certain illnesses, there are a few disadvantages to be mindful of:

• Burning danger

Melted wax has a relatively high melting point, which makes burns more likely to occur if not handled carefully or if the skin is sensitive to heat.

• Sensitive Responses

Some people may experience allergies or skin irritation due to sensitivity to the components in paraffin wax or to the scents associated with it.

• Applications that are Messy

Wax can be messy to apply and remove, requiring cleanup afterwards.

• Restricted Entry

Although paraffin wax has the potential to improve skin hydration and ease joint stiffness, its deep absorption may be insufficient for dealing with underlying musculoskeletal conditions.

• Time-Consuming

Only some people may find the process of melting wax, applying it, waiting for it to set, and then removing it to be convenient.

• Not Fit for Everybody

Due to potential risks, people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, poor circulation, or skin infections, might not be suitable candidates for paraffin wax therapy.

Paraffin wax bath therapy precautions:

• Talking with:

Before taking a paraffin wax bath, consult your doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions. Based on your needs, they can make recommendations.

• Control of Temperature:

Before immersing any part of the body, make sure the paraffin wax is at room temperature. Heat the wax to a comfortable temperature without going overboard and burning your skin. Keep an eye on the temperature with a trustworthy thermometer.

• Use Heat With Caution:

To prevent accidental burns, handle hot wax with caution. Put on suitable protective gear, such as gloves, if needed.

• Skin Sensitivity:

Test a small area of your skin before completely submerging it in the wax, particularly if you have diabetes or sensitive skin. Look for any uncomfortable reactions, like pain, inflammation, or redness.

• Being clean:

Make sure the paraffin wax bath is safe and clean. If you have any open wounds, infections, or skin conditions that the therapy could increase, don’t take it.

• Correct Use:

Observe the instructions on the bath equipment containing paraffin wax. Don’t let the wax leak or spill; instead, apply it evenly.

• Sterilization :

To sterilize paraffin, heat it to 80°C and let it cool overnight.

FAQ:

References:

• Wax therapy: What is it? Which conditions is Wax Therapy used to treat? With wax therapy, who will gain? (As of now). https://cbphysiotherapy.in/therapies-offered/wax-therapy CB Physiotherapy
• Wax Paraffin Bath. (n.d.). https://www.physio-pedia.com/Paraffin_Wax_Bath Physio-pedia
• December 13, 2023 Vaghela, D. Procedure, Results, Warnings, and Precautions of Wax Bath Therapy. Mobile Clinic for Physiotherapy. Wax bath therapy is available at https://mobilephysiotherapyclinic.in/
• J. Fletcher (2022, 25 May). A brief guide to paraffin wax treatments. Paraffin wax can be found at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/
• “Paraffin Wax Bath: In the Right Way to use it on The hands,” The Hand Therapy Community, n.d. Bath with paraffin wax: Assh.org/hand care/condition
• Image 1, December 13, 2023: Vaghela, D. The method, outcomes, indications, and precautions of wax bath therapy. Mobile Clinic for Physiotherapy. Wax bath therapy is available at https://mobilephysiotherapyclinic.in/
• Image 2, J. Fletcher (2022a), 25 May. A brief guide to paraffin wax treatments. Paraffin wax can be found at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/
• Image 3, Professional Paraffin Products by Therabath. 28 December 2023. Therabath Paraffin Products – Paraffin Application Strips. Paraffin Products from Thera bath. Therabath.com/product/paraffin-application-strips