Paraffin wax is used to apply moist heat to hands or feet to ease pain and stiffness. This type of heat therapy treatment is a good choice for people with arthritis or other rheumatic diseases – the heat helps to increase blood flow and relax muscles. For this reason, it’s also a good option for muscle, tendon and ligament ailments.

Paraffin wax is especially helpful to reduce pain and loosen up hand and finger joints before exercise. Small paraffin wax baths, which are tubs that are just big enough to fit hands or feet, hold the wax and keeps it warm enough to stay in liquid form. The most common application is dipping the hand or foot numerous times to form a thick layer of wax and wrapping it with a plastic bag and towel to maintain the warmth.