The wax used for therapeutic purposes is a colorless solid wax which is melted at a low temperature, and made from saturated hydrocarbons. It is usually used in an unscented form clinically so as to minimize any possible skin reactions.
Paraffin has various uses, including for skin-softening in spa treatments, in addition to providing pain relief to joints and muscles. When used for cosmetic purposes, paraffin wax is applied to the hands and feet to act as a natural emollient, which helps make skin supple. It will also help add moisture to dry skin, and will continue to help the skin maintain moisture levels even after a treatment is finished. Wax therapy will open pores on the skin due to increased moist heat, and this helps skin feel fresher and smoother as the skin is able to “breathe” and dead skin cells are removed.
When used in the physical therapy setting, it is often used on the hands to help with pain relief caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, tendon/ligament pains, and other musculoskeletal issues in the hands and joints. It is also used to help improve joint mobility in the hands, help minimize spasming muscles, and improve healing for sprains and strains in the small muscles and connective tissues in the hands.