Hot water bottles keep you warm, relieve pain and much more. Why don’t more Americans use them?

When minor aches and pains arise, it’s understandable to reach for the nearest over-the-counter painkiller and hope for the best. But doctors say the solution to your discomfort could be simply turning on the faucet.

While they’re not as commonly used in America, hot water bottles — rubber containers that serve as a kind of warm compress — are an essential household item in some parts of Europe, where central heating is less common. This enthusiasm shows no signs of waning: in 2022, British retailers reported record sales of hot water bottles during a cold snap. TikTok is also full of testimonials from people who love their hot water bottles.

To start, a hot water bottle can help keep you warm. But doctors say there’s much more to this simple device. “One of the biggest benefits of using a hot water bottle is that it is inexpensive, easy to find, and easy to use,” explains Dr. Caitlyn Mooney, assistant professor in the department of sports medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told Yahoo Life. “It’s also helpful for people who can’t take painkillers.”

So what can a hot water bottle do – and how do you actually use it? Doctors explain.

It can help relieve stiffness

Mooney cites relieving joint stiffness as a major benefit of using a hot water bottle. The Arthritis Foundation calls heat therapy — which includes hot water bottles, heating pads and steamed towels — “one of the oldest, cheapest and safest forms of complementary therapy.”

Research shows that heat therapy can help relax muscles and improve blood circulation, thereby relieving stiffness. When you overheat a painful joint, your blood vessels enlarge, explains the Arthritis Foundation. This allows more blood, oxygen and nutrients to reach these areas and relax. Heat therapy is therefore often recommended for lower back and neck pain.

It can make stretching easier

Hot water bottles not only relieve stiff joints, they can also soothe sore muscles, says Mooney. “Some people also use heat to warm up or stretch muscles before exercise to prevent injuries,” she says.

It’s not entirely clear why heat therapy can help muscles, but Mooney says it’s likely similar to the effect seen on joints — that is, the heat can promote good blood flow and provide important nutrients to muscles. Research shows that applying heat before stretching can also help improve flexibility and range of motion, while the heat can help stretch collagen, which supports muscle growth and repair.

It can help with period cramps

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) strongly recommends using a hot water bottle on the stomach or lower back to help with period cramps. “The idea is that it allows the muscles to relax, which can reduce pain because the heat increases blood circulation,” says Dr. Christine Greves, gynecologist at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, told Yahoo Life.

According to ACOG, a hot water bottle can also be helpful for back pain during pregnancy. The organization simply recommends wrapping the bottle in a towel to prevent overheating.

It can warm you up

While a hot water bottle is versatile for your muscles and joints, it can also simply help you stay warm when temperatures drop, points out Mooney. You can try placing a hot water bottle between the sheets before you go to bed at night, or just keep it with you during the day. This is also much more common in Europe, where people use hot water bottles to save on heating costs and still keep warm.

How to use a hot water bottle

Using a hot water bottle is relatively easy: you simply unscrew the lid, fill it with hot water from the tap, screw the lid back on and apply it to an area of ​​the body that needs it. But there are also some risks that should be kept in mind.

“The biggest danger is burns,” says Mooney. “Hot water bottles can leak or even burst and spill hot water.” Additionally, if the water you put in the bottle is too hot, the bottle can overheat and burn your skin, she points out. (This is why some people buy hot water bottle covers to provide a protective barrier – and a cozy comfort element).

“To be safe, always check the temperature of the hot water bottle before using it,” says Mooney. “Make sure it’s not too hot to touch.” Also check the seal to make sure no hot water is leaking.

Greves says heat should only be applied for about 15 minutes before taking a break. “You should remove it immediately if it causes discomfort or if you notice redness or irritation on your skin,” adds Mooney. “It is also recommended not to apply heat to new injuries that are still swollen or inflamed.”

Amazon

The soft cover with a celestial motif makes this hot water bottle perfect for snuggling up before bed.

$9 on Amazon

Goal

This simple striped dress is an affordable option that’s cozy to boot.

$18 at Target

Alicia Adams Alpaca

If you want to treat yourself to a chic cover, consider this colorful alpaca version from designer Alicia Adams.

$135 at Alicia Adams Alpaca

Balnarring Home Goods Hardware

QE home page

Soothe your aching muscles with this easy and affordable chenille option.

$16 at QE Home

The hot water bottle company

Hot water bottles come in all shapes and sizes (and some even without water). A good alternative for children are “heats,” which include a microwave-safe pillow that can be tucked into a snuggle pillow.

$25 at The Hot Water Bottle Company