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Current Indications and Future Direction in Heat Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain: A Narrative Review
Gustavo Zanoli1, Isabel Albarova-Corral2, Michele Ancona3
1Orthopedic Unit, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena Rovigo, 45030 Occhiobello, Italy.
Muscles (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 4, 2025
Summary
Superficial heat therapy (HT) offers a safe and effective option for managing knee pain and sports-related injuries. It aids in pain relief, healing, and restoring function, making it a valuable therapeutic tool.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Musculoskeletal pain affects over 30% of the global population.
- Superficial heat therapy (HT) increases tissue temperature, enhancing local metabolism and function.
- Knee pain (KP) and sports-related pain are key areas for HT application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a narrative review on the role of superficial HT in managing knee and sports pain.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of HT for musculoskeletal conditions.
Main Methods:
- A panel of experts performed a literature review.
- Focused on studies concerning superficial HT for knee and sports pain.
Main Results:
- HT provides pain relief, promotes healing, and aids in returning to normal function.
- Pre-exercise HT prepares muscles for performance; post-exercise HT aids recovery.
- Heat wraps for superficial HT are generally safe.
Conclusions:
- Superficial HT is a beneficial and safe option for knee pain and sports injuries.
- A multimodal and multidisciplinary approach is key for effective HT application.
