Post-traumatic stiff hand is a common condition that causes pain and disability. Paraffin wax bath and joint mobilizations have a key role in its rehabilitation. This article delves into the therapeutic and cosmetic benefits of paraffin wax treatments, particularly focusing on their application for hand care. We will explore the science behind paraffin wax, its various uses, how to perform a treatment, and who can benefit most from this soothing therapy.
Paraffin wax is a white or colorless soft, solid wax made from saturated hydrocarbons. It is distilled from petroleum. Because it’s colorless, tasteless, and odorless, paraffin wax is often used in skin-softening salon and spa treatments on the hands, cuticles, and feet. It can also be used to provide pain relief to sore joints and muscles. Beyond cosmetic applications, paraffin wax is also used as lubrication, electrical insulation, and in the creation of candles and crayons.
Cosmetically, paraffin wax is often applied to the hands and feet. The wax is a natural emollient, helping make skin supple and soft. When applied to the skin, it adds moisture and continues to boost the moisture levels of the skin after the treatment is complete. It can also help open pores and remove dead skin cells. That may help make the skin look fresher and feel smoother.
Paraffin wax may be used to help relieve pain in the hands of people with:
It acts like a form of heat therapy and can help increase blood flow, relax muscles, and decrease joint stiffness. Paraffin wax can also minimize muscle spasms and inflammation as well as treat sprains.
Read also: Hand Treatment with Paraffin
Post-traumatic stiff hand commonly occurs in post-traumatic upper extremity (UE) fractures and is a clinically complex problem. It generally results in common symptoms of edema, immobility, and pain. The post-traumatic stiff hand generally leads to disuse of hand function due to restricted range of motion and loss of muscle strength. Physical therapists rehabilitate patients with post-traumatic stiff hands by joint mobilization techniques, stretching, and strengthening exercises. If the patients with post-traumatic stiff hand are not rehabilitated, they will develop contractures in hand muscles and will result in a position of dysfunction.
A physical therapy plan of care is based on physical examination and includes evaluation of PROM, muscle strength, edema, gross sensation, bone healing, and adhesions. The improvement in joint PROM is the key component of physical therapy management, due to musculotendinous tightness. The joint mobilization techniques are used to improve joint PROM by producing passive glides with distraction between the articular surfaces of hand joints to manage pain, break adhesions, and improve joint PROM. The paraffin wax bath is commonly used as an effective remedy to improve circulation and promote relaxation. Both hands and feet are the most common segments to be treated with a paraffin wax bath in physical therapy.
A single-blind randomized control trial was conducted on 71 patients in the department of physical therapy and rehabilitation, Riphah International University Islamabad, and patients with post-traumatic stiff hand after distal upper extremity fractures were included. The patients were randomized into two groups: the joint mobilization techniques with paraffin wax bath were included in group A, and joint mobilization techniques without paraffin wax bath in group B. The results showed that six weeks after intervention, patients in group A had more improvement in pain score (p=0.001), TFS (p=0.003), and PROM of wrist flexion (p=0.002), extension (p=0.003), radial deviation (p=0.013), and ulnar deviation (p=.004), as compared to group B.
This study suggests that a paraffin wax bath with joint mobilization techniques is more effective than mobilization techniques without a paraffin wax bath in the rehabilitation of post-traumatic stiff hand.
Paraffin wax is tested in a lab to make sure it’s safe and hygienic to use on the body. It has a low melting point, which means it can be easily applied to the skin at a temperature low enough not to cause burns or blisters. However, if you have very sensitive skin, paraffin wax may cause heat rash. Heat rash results in small red bumps on the skin that can be itchy and uncomfortable.
Read also: Applications of Paraffin Wax Spray
You should not use paraffin wax if you have:
If you have a chemical sensitivity, you may develop minor swelling or breakouts from the wax treatment. That’s because paraffin comes from petroleum products. If you’re doing a paraffin wax treatment at home, take care not to heat the wax too much, as it may catch fire. It should be no more than 125°F (51.7°C) when you start your treatment.
Some salons and spas may offer a paraffin wax bath as part of their manicures and pedicures, but most offer it as a separate treatment, too. The cost of a paraffin wax treatment varies greatly by salon, starting from around $15. It generally takes around 30 minutes.
You can have a paraffin wax treatment done at a nail salon or spa, but you can also do it at home. It’s important to follow the correct steps to get the maximum benefits from the treatment.
To do an at-home treatment, you’ll need the following supplies:
Read also: Removing Wax from Clothes
You could also purchase a portable paraffin wax bath to use for at-home treatments. These devices help reduce the number of supplies you need, and many of them come with paraffin wax. If you’re using a paraffin wax bath, follow the instructions provided with your machine.
The easiest way to melt paraffin wax at home is to use a double boiler. If you have nail polish on, remove it before starting the process. Wash your hands well and dry them with a lint-free towel.
To melt the wax:
Once the wax is prepared, it’s ready to use. To apply:
Once you’ve applied at least 10 layers of wax to your hand or foot, put a large plastic bag over that. Then place it in an oven mitt or wrap it in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes.
After 15 to 20 minutes, remove your hand from the mitt or towel and the plastic bag. Use soft tissue to remove the wax residue from your skin. Apply moisturizer all over your hand.
When you’ve completed your treatment, cover the paraffin and store it in a safe place for your next treatment.
A paraffin wax unit is a machine that heats and holds paraffin wax. The wax is intended to completely cover the hand (or other body parts such as the feet). Its warm temperature is meant to provide relief from arthritis pain, sore joints, or sore muscles. A paraffin wax bath is recommended for various medical and surgical hand problems and may be recommended by your hand specialist. This unit should not be used if you have open wounds/cuts, problems with sensation, or if you only want to warm your hands.
A paraffin wax unit may be rented or purchased. The units are low-cost and can be purchased from a local retailer (drugstore, department store, or discount store) or online.
First, choose a place in your home where the unit can be set up according to the instructions. Pay particular attention to the safety features to prevent accidents. These units usually can remain set up and plugged in at all times, allowing the paraffin to be melted and available for use throughout the day.
When using your unit, follow these instructions:
If you're looking for complementary therapies to offer, paraffin and fangos should be at the top of your list. Get ready to beautify your clients' skin with this amazing treatment. Before being used in cosmetic treatments, paraffin wax was used as a therapeutic treatment for arthritis. Later on, the cosmetic use of paraffin started. The main purpose of this use of paraffin is deep hydration. Offers intensive hydration for severely dry skin.
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