How Does Paraffin Wax Heat Therapy Work?

Can moist heat therapy help my pain and stiffness? How about my dry weary skin?

• to soothe chronic arthritis joint pain
• to relax stiff muscles
• in therapeutic massage for clients and 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!

• 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

Important Hygiene Instructions for Public Use of a Paraffin Bath (see also our hygiene page)

• Thoroughly wash and dry the skin before applying paraffin.
• Spray the skin with Therabath 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 or Spa Peite when it is not in use.
• Clean your paraffin bath after every 25 treatments, when paraffin is cloudy, or when sediment accumulates on the bottom of the unit.

For All Paraffin Wax 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. Adjust the variable temperature control on the Spa Petite to a temperature that is comfortable for you.
• Discard used paraffin.

• 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.
• long 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).

• Prior to applying the paraffin, apply a light coat of nongreasy Therabath 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.

• 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.

• 1. Paraffin treatments on clients’ hands, feet, elbows, etc., are a beneficial addition to any type of therapeutic massage.
• 2. Paraffin can be used by the practitioner to warm hands prior to viding massage services, and afterwards to ease stiff, tired hands and to relieve dryness from repeated hand-washing.

• Follow the suggestions for relief from chronic joint pain, etc.

• Follow the suggestions for relief from chronic joint pain and relief from dry skin.

• 1. The more layers of paraffin built up, the easier it is to remove the paraffin.
• 2. If the area to be treated has a lot of hair, build up additional layers of paraffin. (Paraffin will not remove hair.)
• 3. 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.
• 4. 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.
• 5. 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.
• 6. Before applying paraffin with a brush, preheat the brush by letting it sit in the Therabath for five minutes.
• 7. Use Therabath brand paraffin because it is a high grade of paraffin that is specially formulated for precise melt point, cleanliness, and ease of use.

Are Therabath Paraffin Treatments Sanitary?

• WR Medical Electronics has sold paraffin units and refill paraffin since 1962 and paraffin therapy has been used in hospitals and clinics for over 90 years. In the 90+ years that traditionally performed paraffin therapy treatments have been administered in hospitals, clinics, spas, and salons worldwide, no complaints of cross-contamination have been logged with the FDA.
  
  
• Therabath paraffin contains no water and is maintained at 130 degrees (54 degrees C). High temperature and lack of water make a hostile environment for survival of pathogens. A 1996 study by Oregon State University where Therabath paraffin was inoculated with bacteria and fungi concluded “it appears that bacteria and fungi do not survive a long time in paraffin baths”.
  
  
• When a hand or foot is immersed into melted paraffin, it is instantaneously coated with a layer of solidified paraffin, so what is on the skin stays on the skin. This instant barrier is formed because human skin is 22 degrees cooler than the melting point of the paraffin, and is maintained at or near that temperature by circulated blood, so the paraffin congeals as soon as it touches the skin. Because the barrier forms immediately, germs and dirt on the skin are instantly encapsulated and unable to contaminate the remaining paraffin in the bath during the initial or subsequent immersions, as confirmed by a 2007 lab study performed by R-Tech Laboratories. Additionally, R-Tech performed a “worst case scenario” study where used paraffin was returned to the bath. The results of the “worst case scenario” test support the results of a 1986 University of Minnesota study. For best results, always follow instructions for use that state used paraffin should be discarded.