How to heat up a gel pack

Welcome back to Dispotech’s blog! Today we are going to talk about the gel pack and its double use: cold, as well as hot! Yes, because a gel pack can be a useful ally not only when kept in the freezer, but also if heated. Thanks to the support of an article posted on blog.physical-sports.co.uk, we are going to give you some useful tips on how to heat it up safely. Have a great read!

Gel packs, heated or cooled as needed, are a useful and user-friendly medical device to have at your fingertips the relief provided by a hot or cold therapy. A gel pack usually looks like a sealed plastic bag; inside there is a water-based gel solution.

It is cooled by placing the gel pack in the freezer even for just half an hour. But to get it heated? What is the best technique? A gel pack can be heated either by microwaving or by submerging it in hot water. The first option is, in many ways, safer - but also faster.

Following are the steps to take when using a microwave.

1. Set the microwave at a power of about 600w, place the gel pack on the turntable, close the door and start heating. 20 seconds should be enough.
2. Once this time period has elapsed, remove the gel pack from the microwave using an oven mitt or cloth to protect yourself from the heat.
3. You might notice that the edges are warmer than the centre when touching them, because they contain less gel and heat up sooner.
4. To distribute the heat evenly, try to mix the gel by using your hands (always using an oven mitt or cloth).
5. Place the gel pack back in the microwave and heat it for another 10-20 seconds.
6. Repeat step 2 and, in general, heat the gel pack until you reach the desired heat level.
7. When the gel pack has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the microwave, wrap it in a cloth and place it on the area to be treated.

And now, here's some information you need to know.

• It is not necessary for your gel pack to be extremely hot. Pay attention to the temperature or you may risk getting burned!
• Do not heat the gel pack for more than 10 to 20 seconds at a time. If you leave the gel pack “in the microwave" for too long, you risk melting the plastic. Better yet, repeat the operation several times keeping the same timing and mixing the gel with your fingers.
• Keep an eye on the gel pack inside the microwave: if it starts to melt, you will be able to intervene promptly.
• In case the gel pack starts melting due to excessive heat, open the microwave door and wait for the gel to cool down before cleaning everything up. Don't worry, the gel is not toxic.
• If you need to clean up any spillages in the microwave, make sure to always use a cloth or oven mitt.

By following the steps above, within a couple of minutes your hot gel pack is ready to be used. What do you think about this article? Do you ever use gel packs? Share your experience with us, contact the Dispotech team!