self-management techniques

• Overview
• When to use heat
• Precautions for using heat
• Application of heat

• Do not use on areas of altered sensation to avoid burns
• Do not use heat after an acute injury until the swelling is controlled, as heat may cause increased inflammation
• Do not use heat treatment after activity
• Moderate heat treatment for a limited time to avoid burns
• If using a hot water bottle do not fill with boiling water to avoid burns

Knight and Routledge et al, 2001, Norris 2004