How does moist and dry heat compare?
Moist heat is more effective than dry heat in deeper tissue heating Moist heat penetrates more than dry heat at the same temperature Moist heat has additional capacity to change the tissue temperature rapidly and obtain more vigorous response from temperature receptors Patients often report greater relief of symptoms from moist heat Moist heat is preferred over dry heat as a treatment or component of the treatment for the following conditions: Pain, stiffness and secondary muscle spasm in chronic arthritis Acute temporomandibular joint closed lock condition Pain and muscle spasm on posterior neck and back in patients with ankylosing spondolytis Pain and muscle tension in the acute and chronic phases of regional myofascial pain syndrome in children Moist heat can be effective in temporary relief of pain for the following conditions:
