Tuesday, February 12, 2008

 

Heat Wraps for Pain? Think Again (SIZZZZZZZLE!)


Those of you who've taken my workshop have heard my lecture about the negative effects of "heat wraps" and hot baths. They're bad for pain. Heat changes, melts and remolds connective tissue (especially that huge hunk of it in the lower back, and especially when it's sat upon in a hot bathtub or Jacuzzi. Connective tissue that gets subjected to/reshaped by heat can send phantom pains (fibromyalgia?) shooting through the extremities. If you hurt, you should be putting ICE and COLD stuff on your pain, not heat!

And here's one more reason to avoid heat wraps: they BURN!

This from the FDA in early February 2008: "Chattem, Inc. announced that it is initiating a voluntary Nationwide recall of its Icy Hot Heat Therapy products, including consumer samples that were included on a limited promotional basis in cartons of its 3 oz. Aspercreme product. Chattem is recalling these products because it has received some consumer reports of first, second and third degree burns as well as skin irritation resulting from consumer use or possible misuse of these products."

(Third-degree burns, by the way, cause blisters and actually burn the tissue).

The press release accompanying the announcement says: "All lots and all sizes of the following Icy Hot Heat Therapy products are affected by this recall:

Icy Hot Heat Therapy Air Activated Heat- Back
Icy Hot Heat Therapy Air Activated Heat- Arm, Neck, and Leg
Icy Hot Heat Therapy Air Activated Heat- Arm, Neck, and Leg single consumer use "samples" included on a limited promotional basis in cartons of 3 oz. Aspercreme Pain Relieving Crème.
NOTE: if products have been removed from their holding cartons the recalled products are packaged in a red colored plastic pouch which states Icy Hot Heat Therapy and either Back or Arm/Neck and Leg.

Single consumer use "samples" of Icy Hot Heat Therapy- Arm, Neck and Leg were included on a limited promotional basis in yellow and red cartons of 3 oz. Aspercreme Pain Relieving Crème. The samples were distinct and stand-alone products, clearly labeled as "Icy Hot Heat Therapy Air Activated Heat," with their own internal labeling.

These products are sold over the counter through food, drug and mass merchandisers.

Consumers who have the Icy Hot Heat Therapy products under recall should immediately stop using the products, discard them, and/or return them to Chattem, Inc."

Cold and ice, people, NOT heat, for pain!

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