Thermotherapy

Thermotherapy is the application of heat to the tissues, using various means of surface or deep heating like diathermy, IR light and heat pads.
Depending on the method used, tissue at different depths can be reached. 

Deep heating methods are especially beneficial since the therapist is able to bypass the skin and underlying fat layer and deliver heat directly to the underlying muscles, tendons, ligaments or bones. 

Heat has been shown to have many beneficial effects which can be used in treating a wide variety of conditions. The most important physical effects are increased blood flow, decreased chronic inflammation, decreased joint stiffness with increased tendon extensibility and general muscle relaxation.