A heating compress is a form of hydrotherapy involving a cold moist compress that is applied to the affected area. The compress heats up by the body’s reaction to the cold.
Indications:
Sore throat and associated hoarseness, neck pain, tense muscles, and any inflammation or infection of the throat.
Precautions:
Chilling should not be experienced during this treatment. Keep warm either in a bed or wrapped up in a blanket. Change the compress at least every 8 hours and allow the skin to dry for at least 1 hour between treatments. Do not tie compress on too tightly around the neck. This treatment should be comfortable. Please consult your doctor if your condition does not improve or you have any questions regarding this treatment.
Supplies:
- Cotton cloth – wide and long enough to wrap around the neck.
- Wool flannel to cover the cotton cloth. A wool scarf works well. Alternatively, cloth may be made long enough to include ears when wrapping throat.
- Safety pin
- Face cloth
Directions:
- Soak the cotton cloth in cold water and wring out so that it does not drip.
- Warm the throat area first with a warm face cloth for 5 minutes. This is very important as the treatment will not be as effective and could be harmful if your neck is not warmed first.
- Wrap the cotton cloth around your neck and include the ears if desired.
- Wrap the wool scarf over the cotton cloth and secure with a safety pin.
- Leave on at least half an hour but overnight is more effective. Follow treatment with a quick cold sponge to area.
Effects of the Heating Compress to the Throat:
This treatment acts to reflexively increase the circulation and decrease congestion in the throat and head. It has a sedating action and may help with sleep. This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infections.