Robinson Care Heat Pad

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money

Satisfactory

Advantages:	Helps reduce pain
Disadvantages:	Quiet expensive

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I came across Robinsons Care Heat Pads after suffering from painful hips, I didn't want to constantly take pain killers, and I needed something else that would help ease the pain.

~My History~

In my mid twenties I started suffering from painful hips, I had enough physiotherapy to last me a life time but after each session the pain would be worse. So I went for an x-ray, it was then that discovered that I have very shallow hip sockets. This would explain why I was suffering. Because the sockets are very shallow the ball of the joint is moving around more then usual, they have assured me that they will not dislocate as I am too old, I'm only in my mid thirties but they said if it were to dislocate I would have when I was a lot younger.
So any way my only two options are;

A, have a hip replacement, which they would not do yet anyway because I am too young or
B, have the socket of my hip made deeper so there is less room for the ball joint to move about.

I don't really fancy either to be honest.
I tend to find in the winter when it is colder it is more painful, also if I am on my feet a lot.
After I had my twins I did suffer terribly as I was always on the go.

So anyway I am not big on taking tablets so I looked for something else that might help.
That's when I came across these heat patches.

~What are they~

They are a discrete patch about 3 ½ by 5 inches that you apply to the effected area and it releases heat to relieve pain. They have a gel like coating that sticks to your skin, it is quiet cold when you first apply it, but warms up quickly.
They are odour less and very convenient, they contain no chemicals or stimulants.

~How to use~

Make sure the skin is dry and then open the packet a peel back the bottom layer and apply the sticky side to the skin, smooth down so there are no creases and then get dressed as normal.
The pad can be used up to eight hours to help relieve pain.
Once you have opened to packet make sure you apply the pad straight away.

~Do they work~

I have found with my hips yes they do, although they do not take all the pain away, nothing I have tried does, but they do offer me some comfort and ease it a bit which I find very helpful, especially if I am on the go. They are very discreet and know one knows I am wearing one, infact after a while I can't even feel that I am wearing it. It is very comfortable to wear.

In the evening if they are playing me up I have one of those cushions that you put in the microwave to heat up and I have that resting on my hip, but I find if you move they fall off, so this little patch once in place will not move until you decided to remove it.

Although these patches are on the expensive side I brought mine from Boots I have found them very beneficial and I have told my doctor about them and to see whether I can get them on prescription but I am unable to which is a real shame.

Also in the past i have had to have time off work to go and lay under a heat lamp, with this pad i get the same effect but i can carry on with my daily routine.

The patch releases heat to a specific area where the pain is. Heat acts as a pain relief to relieve muscle spasms or decrease joint stiffness it's also increase blood flow.

~Other Uses~

These patches can be used for a number of reasons, to help with period pain, just place one on your lower stomach, and the heat will help ease the pain.
Also if you have any aches and pains such as arthritis, back ache and stiffness and tension of joints.

There are only a few cautions about this product, because you place it directly on to the skin do not apply if the skin is broken.
Stop using if a rash develops.
Remove the pad if you find it is becoming to hot.

~Packaging~

You buy these as single pads; they come in an orange pack with a flip top seal on the back. They are very easy to open; the pad itself is contained in a clear plastic wrapper, which again is easy to open as it has a "Tear Here" sign so it already has a little grove in to start you of.
Instructions on how to use are on the reverse of the pack.

You can purchase these pads from of the internet for about £2.50 per patch, plus what ever the postage is, this varies from site to site.

When I found these they were available at boots for about the same price.