9 steps to treating your hands with paraffin wax

Paraffin wax can provide relief from arthritis pain, sore joints or sore muscles. It is a type of wax that is used for candles and can be used in your own home. A paraffin wax unit can be purchased for a low cost or even rented. Learn how to safely use one of these units for your hands by following these 9 steps:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them.

2. Rub lotion onto your hands: Hand lotion allows the wax to be removed easily after treatment.

3. Dip your hand into the wax: Your fingertips should go in first. Keep your fingers separated and submerse your hand all the way past the wrist if desired.

4. Remove your hand after it has been coated with wax.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4: Dip your hand 6-8 times, waiting a few seconds between each dip. This allows layers of wax to form over your hand.

6. Immediately cover your hand with a plastic bag and wrap with a hand towel: Wait 10-15 minutes. This will create moist, deep heat for your hand.

7. Remove the towel, plastic bag and cooled wax after 10-15 minutes.

8. Return the wax from your hand to the paraffin unit for reuse.

9. Proceed with exercises that have been recommended by your hand surgeon and/or hand therapist.

Learn more about paraffin wax at www.handcare.org.