Paraffin Bath Treatments at Home
or Clinic
How Does A Paraffin Bath
Work it's magic?
Paraffin wax has a very
high heat capacity, meaning it is able to absorb and retain a great amount of
heat. A paraffin wax spa takes advantage of paraffin's heat-retaining capacity
in a simple process called heat transfer. In technical terms, heat is
transferred to the core of the affected area as paraffin goes through a phase
change. As it melts, the paraffin becomes a liquid and is able to retain more
heat. Then, when a hand, foot, or other area is dipped into the heated bath, the
phase of the paraffin that surrounds the dipped area quickly changes into a
solid. The heat that is given off is called the heat of fusion.
More simply, the heat that
goes into melting the paraffin comes out when it solidifies into a comforting
paraffin coating, thus transferring the heat into the affected limb. Another way
to look at it is the paraffin is the medium that transfers heat from the
TherabathPRO to the painful area.
At the same time, the heat
from the paraffin opens pores and increases circulation in the skin. This is why
paraffin is so beneficial to skin, leaving skin softened and more radiant.
General Guidelines for Using Your Therabath PRO
Important Hygiene Instructions for Public Use of a Paraffin Bath
- Thoroughly
wash and dry the skin before applying paraffin.
- Spray the
skin with TherabathPRO
Sanitizing Spray.
(Do not use the spray near the eyes, nose, or mouth.)
- Follow all
paraffin application instructions.
- Discard
used paraffin. Do not remelt used paraffin.
- Except for
personal units, use separate units for hands and feet.
- Always
place the cover on the Therabath PRO when it is not in use.
- Clean the
TherabathPRO after every 25 treatments, when paraffin is cloudy, or when
sediment accumulates on the bottom of the unit.
For All Paraffin
Treatments
- Thoroughly wash and dry
the area to be treated. Remove jewelry. Make sure clothing is well out of the
way of treatment area.
- If desired, test the
temperature of the bath. The internal thermostat of the TherabathPRO unit
ensures that the bath is kept at a safe, medically prescribed temperature and
that the paraffin will not be too hot. To test the temperature, dab a small
amount on the inside of your wrist. The paraffin will feel warm, but it will
not burn.
- Discard used paraffin.
How to Use the TheraBath for Hand Treatment
- Cleanse hands with warm
water and soap, and then mist with Sanitizing Spray.
- Apply a light coat of
Intensive Hydrating Cream.
- Slowly immerse the hand
in the paraffin wax. Hold fingers slightly apart so that the paraffin
surrounds each finger.
- Then slowly remove the
hand and wait about five seconds (until the paraffin no longer appears shiny)
before redipping. The idea is to dip in and out of the TherabathPRO, building
up layers of paraffin.
- Repeat
three to five times. For relief of pain and stiffness, dip up to 15 times to
form a very thick glove.
- Optional:
Cover the hand with a protective plastic liner and then slip on a
Thinsulate-lined mitt. This
retains heat for a longer treatment.
- Allow the
paraffin to remain in place until the heat goes away. (Note: Because you will
grow accustomed to the heat, it may seem like the heat is gone before it
actually is.)
- When ready
to remove the paraffin, first remove the mitt (if applicable). Then wiggle the
fingers slightly to loosen the paraffin, and slide the paraffin off (together
with the plastic liner, if applicable). Discard used paraffin and plastic
liner.
- If
desired, apply a second coat of lotion, working into cuticles and dry spots.
Paraffin Wax Treatment Hints and Tips
For
Chronic Joint Pain, Relaxed Muscles, and Increased Circulation
- Maximize
the heat benefit by applying more layers of paraffin. The more layers of
paraffin applied, the longer the heat will last. For maximum effect, we
recommend 10 to 15 layers.
- Prolong
the treatment by using the plastic liners and
insulated mitts and
boots (for hands and
feet), or plastic and an insulated wrap (for other areas).
For Very Dry Skin
- Prior to applying the
paraffin, apply a light coat of nongreasy TherabathPRO Intensive Hydrating
Cream. Rub extra lotion into cuticles and dry patches. If desired, apply
additional lotion after the paraffin treatment too.
- Apply at least five
layers of paraffin.
- Enhance the softening
effects of the paraffin by using the plastic liners and
insulated mitts and
boots, helping to
increase circulation to the skin and absorb additional moisture from the
lotion.
For Manicures and
Pedicures
- If using paraffin as
part of a full manicure or pedicure, remove old polish, shape and repair
nails, and apply acrylic nails prior to the paraffin treatment.
- Use exfoliating scrubs
prior to paraffin treatment. Wash and dry area thoroughly.
For Use in
Therapeutic Massage
- Paraffin treatments on
clients’ hands, feet, elbows, etc., are a beneficial addition to any type of
therapeutic massage.
- Paraffin can be used by
the practitioner to warm hands prior to providing massage services, and
afterwards to ease stiff, tired hands and to relieve dryness from repeated
hand-washing.
For Use Prior to
Exercise or Physical Therapy and to Increase Range of Motion
- Follow the suggestions
for relief from chronic joint pain, etc.
For Work-weary
Hands
- Follow the suggestions
for relief from chronic joint pain and relief from dry skin.
General
Suggestions for Easier Treatments
- The more layers of
paraffin built up, the easier it is to remove the paraffin.
- If the area to be
treated has a lot of hair, build up additional layers of paraffin. (Paraffin
will not remove hair.)
- Dip to the same level
each time (in other words, immerse to the same point with each dip) so that an
even amount of paraffin covers the area to be treated and there is a thick
edge to grasp when removing the paraffin.
- To build up thicker
layers, wait a few seconds (until the shine goes away) in between dips. Try
not to flex your fingers or break the “glove” of paraffin in between dips.
- Allow the paraffin to
remain in place for at least 10 to 15 minutes. (The more layers, the longer
the heat lasts.) An insulated mitt or boot will cause the heat to last even
longer.
- Before applying
paraffin with a brush, preheat the brush by letting it sit in the TherabathPRO
for five minutes.
- Use
TherabathPRO
brand paraffin because it is a high grade of paraffin that is specially
formulated for precise melt point, cleanliness, and ease of use.
How often
should I use the Therabath?
The answer
depends on you. Use it as often as necessary to relieve pain or moisturize skin.
Some people find that paraffin treatments are especially effective in the
morning to loosen up the hands for daily activities, and again in the evening to
relieve pain before sleeping. Others use their baths less often. Try a few
experiments to see what works best for you.
How
do I know whether I should use paraffin therapy?
As with any
medical treatment, if you have specific questions, consult a physician or
physical therapist before using this device.
Can I
reuse the paraffin?
We suggest
that you not reuse the paraffin removed from your skin because it contains
material that will eventually form a sediment on the bottom of the unit. Also,
if you reuse the paraffin, you will have to clean your TherabathPRO more often.
Does the
Therabath have an on/off switch?
Because of
the time it takes to safely melt paraffin, there is no on/off switch on the
bath. Think of your TherabathPRO as a refrigerator, except in reverse. Just as
you leave your refrigerator on and ready to use, leave your TherabathPRO on too!
Because the TherabathPRO is well constructed and has extra insulation, it is
very economical and safe to operate and costs only pennies per day.
Does the
TherabathPRO have a temperature-setting dial?
No, the
TherabathPRO operates automatically at a medically prescribed temperature.
Temperature-setting dials on paraffin baths really don't help you to use
your bath any faster. The paraffin may melt faster, but it may be too hot to use
for several hours (it actually has to cool down first!).
How can I
make the paraffin melt faster?
1) Before melting the paraffin, put the grille on TOP of the unmelted paraffin
(as instructed in the manual)
2) Leave the lid on to keep the heat in
3) After about four hours, if the paraffin hasn't melted, stir the paraffin as
much as possible, and then stir it again an hour or two after that
Why does
the TherabathPRO have a grille? The grille mainly hides particles that may
collect on the bottom.
What size
is the TherabathPRO? The inside dimensions are 12.9" x 6.75" x 5" (32.8 x
17.2 x 12.7 cm). The outside dimensions are 14.25" x 8.5" 7.75" (36.2 x 21.6 x
19.7 cm).
What do I
do if I spill the paraffin?
- Scrape off
as much of the solidified paraffin as possible.
- Use a hair
dryer or an iron (on top of paper towels) to melt the remaining paraffin, and
then blot the melted paraffin up with paper towels.
- Use a wax-
or paraffin-removing solution (available at grocery and discount stores).
Check fabric care instructions first. If possible, put the item in the washing
machine to remove any remaining oil. Dry cleaning solutions and spot removers
also work for some items.
- For
nonporous surfaces, first remove any pieces of solidified paraffin. Then use
an all-purpose cleaner. Read the cleaner’s instructions before using.
How
long will 6 pounds (2.72 kg) of paraffin last?
Six pounds of
paraffin provides approximately 42 manicures (both hands) or 32 pedicures (both
feet), assuming three dips per hand or foot. (Remember to keep the paraffin
amount in between the level lines.)
How
do I replace the paraffin in my TherabathPRO?
Can
I add essential oils to paraffin?
Yes, only one
to two drops of natural oil-based products. Do not add water-based products.
Are
paraffin treatments sanitary?
Yes. The
TherabathPRO has been tested by university labs, who have certified that
paraffin is a “hostile environment” for bacteria and fungus. In addition, when
you dip, the paraffin forms an “instant barrier” between the skin and paraffin
in the bath. A certificate of testing is available from WR Medical Electronics
Co. If your TherabathPRO is for public use, we recommend the use of Sanitizing
Spray.
Does
paraffin remove hair?
No.
Does
insurance cover the paraffin treatments?
Doctor-prescribed paraffin treatments are covered by Medicare. Check with your
insurance company for details.
How
to Replace the Wax in your TherabathPRO
-
If you would like to
change the scent of
paraffin wax
in your TherabathPRO, follow these instructions.
-
Start the day prior to
when you would like to use the bath again (assuming your paraffin bath is on
and the paraffin is melted).
- Unplug the unit. Remove
the lid and grille. Allow the paraffin to solidify overnight.
- After the paraffin is
solid, plug the unit in for a few minutes, or just until the cake of paraffin
loosens from the sides and bottom of the unit. Then unplug the unit. DO NOT
leave an empty unit plugged in. To do so will cause the unit to get
excessively hot, causing possible damage to the unit.
- Press down firmly on
one end of the paraffin, tipping the opposite end up. Then lift out the cake
and place it on paper towels.
- Blot up any remaining
paraffin in the tank with paper towels. If any solidified paraffin remains
inside or on the outside of the unit, soften carefully with a hair dryer and
remove with a paper towel.
- Clean the inside and
outside of the unit with an all-purpose cleaner. Thoroughly wipe the unit dry.
- Add the new scent of
TherabathPRO paraffin wax:
- Carefully open the
bags of paraffin over the unit.
- Add 6 pounds (2.72
kg.) of paraffin.
- Place the grille on
top of the unmelted paraffin.
- Rest the lid lightly
on top of the paraffin and grille. The paraffin will compact as it melts.
- Plug the TherabathPRO
into an electrical outlet of the proper voltage.
Contraindications Refer To Inadvisable Uses:
Should not used in the presence of open cuts or wounds, inflammatory skin
conditions, neoplasm (growths).
Do not use in cases of peripheral vascular disease where circulation is
impaired, acute inflammation, or when sensation of the extremity is reduced or
absent (such as in some cases of diabetes).
If there is any question of about peripheral vascular disease or decreased
sensation of the extremities, consult a physician or physical therapist before
using.
Should not be used on areas subject to hemorrhaging or in cases involving
abnormal sensitivity to heat.
Discontinue use if dermatitis due to paraffin sensitivity occurs.
Discontinue use if wax feels too hot or cool, which would indicate health
problems with the user.
Do not allow children or those with severe physical disabilities to use the
device.
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