How Does Deep Heat Work? 

Deep Heat is a well-known product for providing effective pain relief and comfort to sore or achy muscles. You may have wondered how deep heat works to alleviate pain. In this blog, we explain the science behind deep heat therapy and address commonly asked questions.

What is Deep Heat?

Deep heat, often delivered through topical creams, patches, or warm compresses, relies on a combination of key ingredients to generate warmth and foster a healing environment. There are many primary elements contributing to the efficacy of deep heat therapy.

Benefits of Deep Heat 

Enhanced Blood Flow 

The active ingredients in deep heat formulations, such as capsaicin or menthol, initiate a process called vasodilation. This phenomenon involves the widening of blood vessels, promoting increased blood flow to the affected area. Enhanced circulation delivers essential nutrients and oxygen, accelerating the body's natural healing processes. 

Stimulation of Thermoreceptors 

Deep heat products often contain ingredients that stimulate thermoreceptors in the skin. Menthol, for instance, creates a cooling sensation, followed by a warming effect. This dual-action not only provides immediate relief but also engages sensory nerves, distracting the brain from perceiving pain signals. 

Promotion of Cellular Metabolism 

The increased blood flow induced by deep heat brings with it a surge in cellular metabolism. Cells in the affected area become more active, facilitating faster tissue repair and reducing inflammation. This heightened metabolic state plays a pivotal role in the overall recovery process. 

Muscle Relaxation and Tension Relief 

Deep heat's impact extends beyond increased blood flow. The warmth generated helps muscles relax, easing tension and stiffness. This is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with muscle spasms, strains, or general discomfort. 

Analgesic Properties 

Capsaicin, a component found in chilli peppers, is a common ingredient in deep heat creams. It works as an analgesic by depleting a neurotransmitter called substance P, which plays a role in transmitting pain signals. This dual-action of warmth and pain modulation makes capsaicin a potent ally in pain relief. 

When to Use Deep Heat 

Deep heat is particularly effective for alleviating sore muscles, whether due to intense workouts, overexertion, or everyday activities. It's a go-to solution for post-exercise recovery and managing discomfort associated with muscle strains. 

How to Use Deep Heat 

Applying deep heat is simple but requires attention to detail. Ensure the affected area is clean and dry before applying the topical cream or patch. Apply a thin layer of the product and gently massage into the skin, and for added benefit, consider using a warm compress to enhance the warming effect. Ensure to wash hands immediately after to avoid contact with exposed areas such as eyes, nose and mouth. 

Deep heat stands as a versatile and accessible solution for managing discomfort and promoting recovery. Whether you're an athlete seeking post-workout relief or an individual dealing with everyday muscle tension, deep heat's mechanism provides a comforting solution towards a pain-free lifestyle. 

Commonly Asked Questions

What Does Deep Heat Do? 

Deep Heat is a topical analgesic designed to provide temporary relief from muscular pain, stiffness, and joint discomfort. It stands out for its ability to generate a warming sensation that penetrates deep into the muscles, offering a soothing and comforting effect. 

How Does Deep Heat Work? 

Deep Heat's effectiveness lies in its active ingredients, typically including menthol, methyl salicylate, and/or capsaicin. These components work synergistically to achieve the following: 

Vasodilation: The warming effect of Deep Heat induces vasodilation, which widens blood vessels. This increased blood flow helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the targeted muscles, promoting healing and reducing stiffness. 

Pain Gate Mechanism: The sensation of heat triggers the pain gate mechanism in the body. The nerve endings responsible for transmitting pain signals can be temporarily overwhelmed by the warmth, providing a sense of relief and distraction from discomfort. 

Muscle Relaxation: Deep Heat promotes muscle relaxation by reducing muscle tension and stiffness. This is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing muscle spasms or tightness.  

Using Deep Heat during pregnancy is a topic that requires careful consideration. While the product is generally considered safe for external use, you should consult with a healthcare professional before applying it during pregnancy. Avoid using it on the abdomen or areas with reduced blood circulation, and always follow the recommended guidelines. 

Does Deep Heat Contain Ibuprofen? 

No, Deep Heat typically does not contain ibuprofen. It relies on the warming properties of its active ingredients to provide relief. However, it's important to check the specific formulation and ingredients list of the product you choose, as variations may exist. 

How to Stop Deep Heat Burning? 

While the warming sensation is a crucial aspect of Deep Heat's efficacy, some individuals may find it too intense. To manage this: 

Patch Test: Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before widespread application to ensure you don't have an adverse reaction. 

Dilution: If the sensation is too strong, dilute Deep Heat with a neutral cream or lotion to reduce its potency. 

Shorter Application Time: Limit the application time to the recommended duration. Leaving it on for an extended period may increase the intensity of the heat. 

How Long Does Deep Heat Last? 

The duration of Deep Heat's effects can vary based on the individual and the specific product used. Generally, the warming sensation lasts for about 2-4 hours. Reapplication may be necessary if the pain persists. 

Deep Heat Products

Deep Heat Rub  

This is a non-greasy pain-relieving cream. The penetrating warmth of Deep Heat helps stimulate circulation, relax stiffness and reoxygenate tense, painful tissues. Its counterirritant action makes it effective in the treatment of muscular pains and stiffness including rheumatic pain, backache, fibrositis, lumbago and sciatica. 

For the effective relief of muscular aches and pains, joint stiffness, backache, strains and sprains. Great for players looking for a pre-event muscle warm-up. 

Deep Heat Rub

Deep Heat Max Strength Rub 

Deep Heat Max Strength is a pain-relieving cream, for targeted pain relief when the Deep Heat Rub isn’t enough. Relieves rheumatic pain, back pain, sciatica, and fibrositis. 

Deep Heat Max Strength contains twice the level of pain killing ingredient, Methyl Salicylate. Penetrating heat therapy helps to increase blood supply to relax and soothe in aching, injured and sore muscles. 

Deep Heat Max Strength Rub

Deep Heat Muscle Rescue Heat Spray 

Deep Heat Muscle Rescue Heat Spray provides fast acting, targeted, soothing relief to help ease tight, tense muscles. Can be used before and after exercise. 

Penetrating heat helps relax stiff, tense muscles to restore movement. Heat increases blood flow to the affected area, providing oxygen and nutrients to aid recovery. 

Deep Heat Muscle Rescue Heat Spray

Deep Heat Muscle Massage Roll-on Lotion 

Deep Heat Muscle Massage Roll-on lotion specifically designed to provide targeted, warming relief to help ease tight, knotted muscles through the benefit of massage with heat therapy. Can also be used before and after exercise. 

Can be used for everyday use to ease and release knots in shoulders and backs so you are more comfortable. Can be used before exercise to loosen and soften muscles, so they move more easily. Can be used to rehabilitate soft tissue to help realign muscle fibres and break down adhesions and scar tissue. 

Deep Heat Muscle Massage Roll-on Lotion

Deep Heat Patches 

Deep Heat Pain Relief Heat Patch provides odourless, long lasting, targeted, drug-free, warming pain relief for muscular pain, strains and joint stiffness. Can be used for back, hip, thigh, calf, arm, neck and shoulder pain. 

Therapeutic heat from the Deep Heat Pain Relief Heat Patch provides targeted pain relief right where you need it. Plus, penetrating heat helps relax stiff, sore, aching muscles and joints helping to restore movement. Heat increases blood flow to the affected area providing oxygen and nutrients to aid the healing process. 

Deep Heat Patches

Deep Heat Pain Relief Back Patch 

Deep Heat Pain Relief Back Patch provides targeted, long lasting, odourless, warming pain relief for back pain, muscular aches, pain, strains, spasms and joint stiffness. Can be used for hip, thigh, neck and shoulder pain. 

The patch activates within 1 minute and will heat up within 5 minutes providing penetrating warmth for up to 8 hours. Once removed it can continue to provide pain relief for a further 8 hours. 

Therapeutic heat from the Deep Heat Warming Belt helps reduce muscle pain giving targeted pain relief right where you need it. Plus, penetrating heat helps relax stiff, sore, aching muscles and joints helping to restore movement. 

Deep Heat Pain Relief Back Patch