Paraffin Wax Bath - Why and How they work

Since 1962, physicians, physical therapists, and arthritis specialists have recommended the TherabathPRO Paraffin Therapy Bath because warm paraffin therapy is one of the most effective methods of delivering heat to aching joints.

But do you know how it works?

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.

Paraffin therapy is one of the most effective methods of applying deep heat to relieve pain and stiffness. The warm paraffin also moisturizes for healthier looking, softer skin.

TherabathPRO warm paraffin wax treatments are fast-acting, drug-free, and versatile, providing heat therapy for many different applications, from temporary arthritis joint pain relief to salon pedicures.

TherabathPRO paraffin baths can be used in the home, office, hospital, or clinic ...

to soothe chronic arthritis joint pain
to relax stiff muscles
in therapeutic massage
- on clients
- for practioners' self-care
prior to therapeutic exercise
during physical and occupational therapy
to increase range of motion
to relieve dryness from repeated hand-washing
for tired, overworked hands
for very dry skin
for salon manicures and pedicures
for paraffin facials
in spas
to warm cold hands, especially in winter!
and more!

Remember, consult your physician if you have questions about any heat therapy product.

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.

Evaluating Quality

Paraffin baths are not all created equal!

The TherabathPRO Professonional Grade Paraffin Spa has the best reputation in the field.

Professionals ask for the TherabathPRO by name. Compare each paraffin thermal spa on this list of features and service guarantees:

1) How Focused on Quality and Safety is that "Other" Paraffin Bath?

Does the competition ...
- have a LIFETIME GUARANTEE on both parts and labor?
- have automatic temperature control that maintains a medically prescribed temperature?
- make each paraffin bath to professional quality standards?
- have a CUL Listing for safety?
- perform quality testing on each unit before it leaves the factory?
- operate under FDA's Good Manufacturing Procedures?
Where is the bath made? Each TherabathPRO is made under strict quality controls right here in the USA
Where is the paraffin wax made? Likewise, TherabathPRO paraffin is blended under strict quality controls right here in the USA
Do they include detailed instructions in their operator's manual? At TherabathPRO, we care that each person fully understands how to use and maintain a paraffin wax bath
How long have they been making paraffin wax baths? TherabathPRO is the original -- since 1962!

2) TherabathPRO Uses Superior Materials for the Highest Grade Available

TherabathPRO has ...
- an outer case made from non-flammable fiberglass-reinforced plastic
- an inner tank made from baked enamel on metal to enhance patient comfort
- a primary thermostat that regulates the temperature, and a second safety device for added reliability
- insulation that covers all sides. This means it takes less energy to operate and keeps the paraffin at a steady temperature
- long-life heating elements for controlled, even heating
- a heavy-duty, grounded electrical cord

3) What about the Design and Appearance?

TherabathPRO has ...
- a longer and wider inner tank. Other paraffin baths may look bigger on the outside, but the trick is to measure the inner tank!
- a more compact outer case. Even though the inner tank is full-sized, the compact outer case doesn't take up too much valuable counter space!
- an oval tank. This makes dipping your hand, foot, and elbow more comfortable!
- an inner grille. Not only does this increase patient comfort, it hides particles that may collect on the bottom
- an attractive, speckled white outer case. The outer case is durable and scratch-resistant, and easy to clean!

4) What About "Special Features"?

Does the Therabath have a temperature-setting dial? The Therabath has no temperature-setting dial. Why? It has "thermostatic control," which means it operates automatically so you don't have to worry about the temperature of the paraffin
What about a "fast-melt switch"? There is no fast-melt switch on the TherabathPRO because they may not allow you to use the bath any faster. The paraffin wax may melt faster because it gets hotter, but you may have to actually wait for the paraffin to cool before you can use it!

5) What About the Paraffin?

TherabathPRO paraffin wax is ...
- triple filtered for purity
- soft, pliable, and easy to remove even after it has cooled
- clean and fresh smelling
- available in 6 scents

6) How About the Accessories?

TherabathPRO accessories and accessory kits...
- use Thinsulate^® lining in their mitts and boots
- use heavyweight plush terry velour
- have sturdy the stitching and construction
- are machine washable

General Guidelines for Using Your TherabathPRO

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 TherabathPRO 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 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.

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.