The 12 Best Heating Pads to Help Ease Your Aches and Pains

Whether you’re suffering from tight muscles, an aching back, or you just need to relax after a tough day at work, there’s a lot to be said for the muscle-relaxing and stress-relieving benefits of heat therapy. And the good news is, heating pads are an inexpensive and effective way to deliver the benefits you’re craving. Plus, the best heating pads on the market today have come a long way from your mom’s old pink-flowered number you used back in the ’80s. Today’s heating pads have features like auto-shutoff, extra-long cords, multiple heat settings, remote controls, and even battery packs for cordless heating.

“Heat applied to the body causes vasodilation, meaning the blood vessels widen, allowing more blood to enter the area,” says Dr. Theresa Marko, D.P.T. and owner of Marko Physical Therapy in New York City. “This also relaxes the muscles and it feels soothing to people.” That said, there are instances where heating pads can be helpful, and instances where they may not be the best tool for pain relief. “In general, heat is recommended for areas where the muscles are tight or aggravated. If someone has a strained muscle after performing an activity, like the back or the calf, heat is a great tool to use,” Marko advises. That said, she adds that sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between a muscle strain and a more serious problem, particularly when the pain is in the back. So if pain persists for three days, it’s best to consult a doctor or physical therapist.

To that end, Dr. Megan Daley, P.T., D.P.T., and founder and clinician at Move On The Daley also points out that if you are experiencing a “major acute muscle injury or fracture, like a torn muscle,” that’s not the time to use heat. Increasing blood flow to an area in instances like this can cause the injury to swell and inflame more, which isn’t what you want in the immediate aftermath of an injury. “Also, heat isn”t advised for an open wound or someone with a bleeding disorder. Or if you have impaired sensation in the area, so you can't really feel heat, then we shouldn't put something hot on the area since you wouldn't be able to get the feedback from your body if it’s burning you.”

So, aches, pains, muscle soreness, muscle cramps, or a pulled or tight muscle are when it’s best to pull out the heating pad. And if it’s been a few days after an injury? It’s your call. “I often get asked whether to use heat or ice after the first 48-hours post-injury, and my answer is this: If you want to do one, then whatever you feel like is really going to help is the one to do. Is it going to be the thing that makes a difference? No. But as a general rule, if someone really believes something is going to help them get better, then it will help them get better. It may be a placebo, but that’s okay as long as it’s not doing harm,” Daley says.

How we chose the best heating pads

We consulted Dr. Theresa Marko, D.P.T,. and Dr. Megan Daley, D.P.T. to determine the best features to look for when choosing a heating bad. We also analyzed ratings and reviews from third-party vendor sites like Amazon to assess product feedback from real users.

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