Heat Therapy in Shelby, NC
Sometimes the most powerful healing tools are also the simplest. Heat therapy—also called thermotherapy—uses gentle, targeted warmth to soothe sore muscles, improve circulation, and promote faster recovery from injury or strain.
At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, we offer professional-grade heat therapy as part of our integrative care approach. Whether you’re dealing with chronic tension, stiffness, or recent injury, we use heat strategically to relax muscles, ease pain, and support long-term healing—en inglés y español.
Warm, comforting, and effective, heat therapy fits seamlessly into your treatment plan and provides immediate relief with lasting benefits.
A chiropractic adjustment—also known as spinal manipulation—is a gentle, targeted technique used to correct misalignments in the spine. These misalignments, or “subluxations,” can place pressure on nearby nerves, disrupt communication between your brain and body, and contribute to pain, stiffness, or decreased function over time.
Using controlled, hands-on force or specialized instruments, Dr. Luis Lopez restores proper alignment to the spine to reduce tension, improve mobility, and support your body’s natural healing process.
What Is Heat Therapy?
Heat therapy may be recommended for:
Muscle tension or spasms
Joint stiffness and arthritis
Chronic back or neck pain
Sports injuries or overuse
Recovery after chiropractic adjustments
General relaxation and circulation support
This safe, soothing therapy is often paired with chiropractic care or other treatments to enhance your overall recovery and comfort.
Our Approach to Heat Therapy in Shelby, NC
At Lopez Chiropractic, we use heat therapy as a thoughtful part of your personalized treatment plan—not just a quick comfort measure. Dr. Luis Lopez carefully evaluates your condition to determine whether heat can enhance your results and when it's most appropriate to use.
We typically apply heat therapy before chiropractic adjustments or other treatments to loosen tight muscles and prepare your body for more effective care. For some patients, we may use it after treatment to promote relaxation and reduce post-treatment soreness.
Our heat therapy methods are safe, gentle, and supervised at all times. Whether you’re managing chronic tension, healing from an injury, or simply looking to improve circulation, we’ll ensure that heat therapy is delivered in a way that supports your unique goals—en inglés y español.
It’s one more way we help you feel better, move better, and recover more comfortably.
Heat Therapy Treatment Options in Shelby, NC
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Moist Heat Packs
These warm, flexible packs are applied directly to the affected area to deeply penetrate soft tissue and relax tight muscles.
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Hydrocollator Packs
A clinical-grade moist heat source used in chiropractic and physical therapy offices to treat pain, stiffness, and inflammation safely and effectively.
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Infrared Heat Therapy
When appropriate, we may use infrared technology to provide deep, penetrating warmth that supports healing at the cellular level.
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Pre-Adjustment Muscle Preparation
Heat therapy is often used prior to chiropractic adjustments to soften the muscles, improve range of motion, and allow for more comfortable and effective treatment.
What to Expect During Heat Therapy in Shelby, NC
Heat therapy is one of the simplest, most relaxing treatments we offer—and it’s highly effective when used at the right time, in the right way. Here’s what you can expect during your session at Lopez Chiropractic:
1. Initial Evaluation
Dr. Lopez will assess your symptoms, review your health history, and determine if heat therapy is appropriate for your condition.
2. Customized Care Plan
If heat therapy is a good fit, we’ll recommend how and when to use it—whether before a chiropractic adjustment, after a physical strain, or as part of ongoing care.
3. Targeted Heat Application
Warm, moist heat packs are applied to the affected area—such as your lower back, neck, or shoulders—for 10 to 20 minutes. You’ll remain comfortably positioned and supervised throughout.
4. Relax & Recover
Many patients feel tension melt away as the heat begins to take effect. It’s common to experience immediate relief from stiffness, tightness, or discomfort.
5. Continued Support
We’ll evaluate how your body responds and adjust future sessions accordingly. Heat therapy may be used on its own or in combination with chiropractic adjustments and other therapies—en inglés y español.
Who Can Benefit from Heat Therapy in Shelby, NC?
Heat therapy is a gentle, effective option for many patients dealing with muscle tension, joint stiffness, or chronic discomfort. It’s especially helpful before chiropractic adjustments or physical activity, when muscles need to be relaxed and ready to move.
You may be a good candidate for chiropractic adjustment if you:
Experience frequent back, neck, or shoulder pain
Suffer from headaches or migraines
Sit for long periods or have poor posture
Have limited range of motion or joint stiffness
Feel out of alignment or imbalanced
Are recovering from a car accident or sports injury
Want a drug-free approach to pain relief
Heat therapy may not be appropriate if you:
Have an acute injury with swelling or bruising
Are dealing with open wounds or skin irritation in the treatment area
Have a condition that affects your ability to sense heat (such as neuropathy)
Are experiencing inflammation that requires cold therapy instead
Dr. Lopez will guide you through the decision process and recommend the most appropriate treatments for your condition. If heat therapy isn’t the right fit, we’ll offer alternative solutions to keep your recovery on track.
Benefits of Heat Therapy in Shelby, NC
Heat therapy isn’t just about comfort—it’s a powerful tool that supports your body’s natural ability to heal, move, and function. Whether used on its own or combined with chiropractic care, heat therapy offers both immediate relief and long-term benefits.
Benefits of heat therapy may include:
Muscle Relaxation – Loosens tight or spasming muscles, making movement easier and more comfortable.
Pain Relief – Helps dull nerve sensitivity and reduce chronic pain without medication.
Improved Circulation – Increases blood flow to the treated area, supporting faster healing of soft tissues.
Enhanced Flexibility – Reduces stiffness in joints and muscles, especially before physical activity or adjustments.
Stress Reduction – Promotes a calming effect, which can ease tension and help you feel more at ease during treatment.
Better Treatment Outcomes – When used before adjustments or stretching, heat therapy can make your chiropractic care more effective.
At Lopez Chiropractic, we use heat therapy not just to treat symptoms—but to support your entire wellness journey, safely and comfortably.
Complementary Therapies to Heat Therapy in Shelby, NC
Heat therapy is often most effective when used alongside other supportive treatments. At Lopez Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive, whole-body approach—combining therapies that work together to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support lasting recovery.
Complementary therapies may include:
Chiropractic Adjustments
When muscles are relaxed with heat, adjustments are often easier and more effective, helping restore alignment with less resistance.Electric Stimulation Therapy (E-Stim)
Can be used before or after heat therapy to activate muscles, calm nerve pain, and accelerate healing.Therapeutic Exercises
Stretching and strengthening exercises work best when muscles are warm and pliable—making heat therapy the perfect prep.Massage Therapy
Combines well with heat to further loosen tight muscles and improve circulation.Postural and Lifestyle Guidance
Learn ways to prevent muscle tension and joint stiffness between visits by improving your daily habits and movement patterns.
By combining these therapies with heat, we create a personalized care plan that supports your recovery from every angle.
Heat Therapy Cost and Insurance Options in Shelby, NC
At Lopez Chiropractic, we believe simple, effective treatments like heat therapy should be accessible and affordable. Whether used on its own or as part of a customized care plan, we’ll help you understand your options and keep your care within budget.
We accept a variety of payment and insurance options, including:
Most major insurance plans (contact us to verify coverage)
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Affordable self-pay rates
Payment plans for extended care
Our friendly team is happy to answer any billing questions and help you make the most of your benefits—so you can focus on healing, not paperwork.
Heat therapy sessions typically cost:
$20 – $40 per treatment, depending on the duration and whether combined with other therapies
Heat Therapy FAQs
Got questions about heat therapy? Here are some of the most common ones we hear at Lopez Chiropractic:
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It feels like a warm, soothing sensation over the affected area. Most patients find it very relaxing—like applying a heating pad, but with clinical precision and oversight.
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Most sessions last 10–20 minutes, depending on your condition and whether it’s paired with other treatments.
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Heat therapy is safe for most people, but it may not be recommended for patients with certain skin conditions, circulatory issues, or acute injuries with swelling. We’ll assess your situation first.
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Yes—heat therapy is often used before adjustments to help relax muscles and improve outcomes.
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It depends on your goals and condition. Some patients benefit from occasional sessions, while others use it regularly as part of an ongoing care plan.
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No referral is necessary. You can book an appointment directly with our Shelby office.
Schedule Your Heat Therapy Session in Shelby, NC
If you’re looking for a natural, effective way to ease muscle tension, reduce pain, and support your body’s healing process, heat therapy may be the perfect addition to your care plan. At Lopez Chiropractic, we offer gentle, customized heat therapy to help you feel better—comfortably and safely.
During your consultation, Dr. Lopez will evaluate your symptoms, explain how heat therapy fits into your treatment plan, and recommend the right approach for your needs. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or simply feeling tight and stiff, we’re here to help—en inglés y español.
Call our Shelby office at (704) 419-3553 to schedule your consultation and find out if heat therapy is right for you.