Heated containers filled with melted paraffin and used as a treatment for soothing the pain of arthritis, stiff joints, inflammation, sports injuries, and muscle spasms. Paraffin baths offer a method for applying deep heat to the small joints in the hands or feet. The affected area is dipped into a bath of melted paraffin several times, then wrapped in plastic and covered with a towel. The warm wax holds heat on the area for about 15 minutes and is removed when it cools and hardens. Paraffin baths are available at medical supply stores.
A bath used to apply topical heat to traumatized or inflamed limbs. The limb is repeatedly immersed in warm paraffin, 118° to 126°F (47.8° to 52.2°C), and quickly withdrawn until it is encased in layers of the material. Paraffin may be applied with a paintbrush for larger joints.