ThermaCare FAQs

How should the Heat Wrap be worn?

The darker side of the heat cells should be placed against the skin to gain the most effective heat. The product may not warm up as efficiently if it is placed on the wrong side against the skin. It also depends on where you are experiencing muscle pain as ThermaCare Heat Wraps are designed specifically for different areas like the lower back and hip, neck, wrist and shoulder and knee and elbow.

Is the Heat Wrap reusable?

Unfortunately the ThermaCare Heat Wraps are not reusable and can be worn once for up to 8 hours of heat. The Heat Wrap works by using iron particles that start reacting when exposed to the air. This reaction produces heat and once the iron is used up, it cannot be reactivated or recharged.

The ThermaCare Cold Wraps are reusable as they can be refrozen and used up to 10 times.

How long should I wear the Heat Wrap for?

For the best results, ThermaCare advise you wear the Heat Wrap for the full 8 hours. You should not wear the Heat Wrap for longer than 8 hours or for more than 7 days in a row to prevent the risk of skin irritation or burns. If your pain is not relieved or worsens while wearing the Heat Wrap then you need to consult your doctor to rule out any underlying issues.

How long does the Heat Wrap take to warm up?

The ThermaCare Heat Wrap has fully warmed up when you can feel that it is warm to the touch. Testing has shown that the Heat Wrap should reach 40°c (104°f) within around 30 minutes and maintains for 8 hours.

Can you use the Heat Wrap or Cold Wrap when pregnant?

If you are pregnant and experiencing pain anywhere on the body, you need to consult your doctor before using any methods of pain relief.

Are the Heat and Cold Wraps suitable for children?

The Heat Wrap should not be used on children who are too young to be able to remove the wrap by themselves if they feel discomfort when unassisted. The Cold Wraps should not be used on children under the age of 2 and any use on children under 12 should be monitored by an adult.

How long should I wear the Cold Wrap for?

The ThermaCare Cold Wrap should only be worn for 30 minutes at a time. They can then be refrozen and reapplied 30 minutes later.

When do you know the Cold Wrap is ready to wear?

For the best results, you should only wear the Cold Wrap when it is fully frozen. The length of freezing time may vary with different freezers, but they usually take around 2 hours.

What makes the Cold Wraps different from ice packs and cold therapy gels?

The ThermaCare Cold Wrap is unique and differs from other cold wraps, ice packs and cold therapy gels as it contains a unique insulation technology (TargetTemp) that enables the wrap to deliver a consistent comfortable cooling temperature so you can wear it for the 30 minutes without it reducing in temperature. It will also ensure a comfortable temperature, whereas some cold therapy gels and ice packs can produce an icy shock or discomfort.