What is Paraffin Wax?

What is Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin wax is an amazing substance, used in many industries, including healthcare. It’s white and solid, and comes from petroleum. You can find it in candles, cosmetics, and food! With its low melting point and great heat retention, it can be used to relieve pain from arthritis, sore joints or sore muscles.

When the wax is melted and becomes hot, submerging your hands in the wax can be a great method to sooth pain. Paraffin wax is a preferred treatment at Restored Hope Hand Therapy because it sticks well to skin, locking in moisture – making it perfect for hand therapy.

Benefits of Paraffin Wax

Softens and Smoothes the Skin

It has the amazing ability to soften and smooth skin, giving it a luxurious feel. This unique substance forms a protective barrier that helps lock in hydration, softening dry patches and leaving behind a velvety-smooth texture.

Plus, it also exfoliates dead skin cells, revealing fresh, glowing skin. It also improves blood circulation, nourishing the skin with essential nutrients and promoting a healthy glow.

Helps with Pain Relief

Paraffin wax is renowned for its pain-soothing benefits, making it a popular choice for hand therapists. It offers unique properties which make it an effective treatment for many types of pain.

First, it eases joint and muscle soreness. Applying it to the affected area allows the heat of the melted wax to penetrate deeply into tissue, granting instant relief and relaxation. This is especially helpful for those suffering from arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Using paraffin wax for hand therapy reduces inflammation and swelling. The gentle heat generated by the wax boosts blood flow, thus promoting healing and reducing pain and enabling better mobility.

Paraffin wax is a moisturizer, too – it softens and hydrates dry, cracked skin and enhances circulation, bringing essential nutrients to the surface and aiding healthy skin rejuvenation.

Treatments are simple and safe to perform at home or with a professional. Your hand therapist may prescribe paraffin wax prior to treatment at our Prescott, AZ clinic. With regular use, individuals can experience long-term pain relief without any major side effects.

Moisturizes and Hydrates the Skin

Paraffin wax is a common ingredient found in beauty products that offers many skin benefits. It forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. The heat produced helps open pores, allowing greater absorption of nutrients and moisture. It can also soften dry and cracked hands and feet, as well as promote blood circulation for healthier-looking skin.

This age-old remedy dates back centuries and modern advancements have made it even more effective.

How to Use Paraffin Wax

To effectively utilize paraffin wax for various purposes, such as enhancing skin health or soothing joint pain, follow these steps to safely apply the wax to your hands:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them.
2. Rub lotion onto your hands (optional): Hand lotion allows the wax to be removed easily after treatment.
3. Dip your hand into the wax: Your fingertips should go in first. Keep your fingers separated and submerse your hand all the way past the wrist if desired.
4. Remove your hand after it has been coated with wax.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4: Dip your hand 6-8 times, waiting a few seconds between each dip. This allows layers of wax to form over your hand.
6. Immediately cover your hand with a plastic bag or plastic wrap and wrap with a hand towel: Wait 10-15 minutes. This will create moist, deep heat for your hand.
7. Remove the towel, plastic bag or plastic wrap.
8. Return the wax from your hand to the paraffin unit for reuse.
9. Proceed with exercises that have been recommended by your hand surgeon and/or hand therapist.

What Sort of Conditions Can Paraffin Wax Therapy be Used For?

Paraffin bath therapy has been proven to be effective with treating the following conditions:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Stiff hand joints
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
• Raynaud’s Disease
• Scar Tissue

Paraffin Wax Therapy is not suitable for clients you have open wounds or inflammatory skin conditions. The amount of times that you complete Paraffin Wax Therapy will depend on the program that you and your hand therapist will decide on.

If you have persistent joint pain or discomfort in your hand, schedule an appointment to see a hand therapist at Restored Hope Hand Therapy today!