Hydrocollation (Hot Packs)

Consider the stress we encounter in our daily lives and the effects it has on our musculature and nervous systems. Other things such as accidents or aggressive physical activity can also have an injurious effect on our nervous system and musculature and skeletal systems. Moist heat will serve to aid the chiropractor in relaxing your muscles and freeing your nerve energy. The effects of hot packs are fivefold:

They produce a local increase in the blood flowing by dilating (opening up) the capillaries (small blood vessels).

• They decrease the pulse rate, blood pressure, and respiration thereby bringing on a more relaxed state.
• They decrease the activity of muscle spasms and nerve excitability.
• They produce a relaxing, soothing effect on the locality of the involved area and the body in general.
• They increase the rate of tissue metabolism.

An increase in tissue metabolism brings a fresh and nourishing blood supply to the area being treated; bringing about faster healing. The increased circulation will enable the injured tissue to more efficiently throw off its waste products so a more complete healing will take place. This will also help reduce scar tissue formation.

With hydrocollation, or hot packs, your body becomes more relaxed which enables the chiropractor to make an easier, more effective adjustment. This helps to reduce the overall length of treatment time.