Theratools Hot and Cold Packs - Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Will a heat pack help if I only have mild neck pain?
Absolutely! Our neck and headache and neck heat packs are designed to provide relief for all levels of neck discomfort, whether mild, moderate, or severe. If your pain is mild, you may not need to use the pack as often, but you can still enjoy the therapeutic benefits for relief or prevention.
2. Can I use a heat pack without pain, just to keep my neck warm?
Yes, definitely! Our heat packs aren’t just for pain relief—they are also perfect for comfort and warmth. Many of our customers love wearing them simply for the cozy, soothing sensation, especially during colder months. You can enjoy the pack as a source of warmth and relaxation, whether you're at home or on a winter walk.
3. How often can I use my hot or cold pack?
You can use your packs as often as you like. Our products are designed for continuous, natural pain relief, so they can be used throughout the day as needed. Just be sure to follow the heating and cooling instructions to avoid overheating or improper cooling for optimal results and safety.
4. How long should I heat my wrap?
Heating times can vary based on your microwave’s wattage, but here are our general guidelines:
Neck heat packs and Rectangle Packs: Heat for 1–1.5 minutes, then add 20-second increments as needed.
Headache and Neck heat packs: Heat for 1–1.5 minutes, then add 20-second increments as needed.
Important: Always exercise caution when heating to prevent overheating. Adjust heating times based on your microwave’s wattage and desired heat levels.
5. How do I cool my pack?
To cool your pack simply place it in a sealed ziplock bag and store it in the freezer. The longer the pack stays in the freezer, the longer it will stay cool. Be sure to store it in a sealed bag to prevent moisture buildup.
6. How long will my neck or headache heat pack stay warm or cool?
The duration for which your pack stays warm or cool depends on various factors such as heating or cooling time, microwave wattage, freezer temperature, and the external environment. For optimal results, follow the recommended heating and cooling times.
7. Is it normal for the neck heat pack to feel heavy?
Yes, this is completely normal! The weight of our products are carefully designed by a physiotherapist to provide gentle pressure, helping to relax and stretch the muscles in the neck and shoulders. The weight should feel comforting and soothing when placed correctly, not uncomfortable or too heavy.
8. Can I use my heat pack while sleeping?
We recommend not using your pack while asleep. Since the pack may not stay in place during sleep, there’s a risk of overheating or applying unnecessary pressure. It's best to use the pack while awake so you can monitor your comfort level. For extended relief during sleep, consider using the pack before bed to help relax your muscles.
9. Can I use a heat pack if I’m pregnant?
While products are designed for general use, we advise consulting with your healthcare provider before using them during pregnancy. This will ensure that you’re using the product safely, especially if you have any underlying health concerns.
10. How do I clean my heat pack?
Unfortunately, our heat packs cannot get wet. We recommend spot cleaning the fabric with a damp cloth if needed. Avoid submerging the wrap in water, as this may damage the product.
11. Are your products made in Australia?
Yes, all our products are 100% Australian-made and owned. We proudly support local businesses, with each product handmade in Brisbane, Queensland. By sourcing materials locally, we contribute to the Australian economy while ensuring high-quality, sustainable products.
12. What is the difference between the Neck heat pack and the Headache & Neck heat pack?
- Neck heat pack: Designed for mid to lower neck tension and upper shoulder discomfort. It's an affordable option that provides essential relief for neck pain and tension and has 8 individual panels for even distribution of heat.
- Headache & Neck heat pack: This specialised heat pack targets the upper neck and base of your skull where headaches and migraines often begin. It offers all the benefits of the regular neck heat pack with added relief for upper neck tension—ideal for those suffering from headaches or migraines. Our headache and neck heat packs have 10 individual panels for even distribution of heat.
13. Why does my heat pack smell after I’ve heated it?
If your wrap smells like popcorn, it’s likely that the lupin filling has been overheated. This happens if the wrap is heated for too long or at too high a power. To prevent this, always follow the recommended heating guidelines.
14. Why do you use lupin over wheat for filling?
We prefer lupin for several reasons:
- Lighter Lupin is 30% lighter than wheat, making it easier and more comfortable to wear
- Better Heat Retention: It retains heat longer than traditional wheat
- Fragrance-Free: Unlike wheat, lupin doesn’t have a strong smell and is less likely to cause allergic reactions.
- Microwave-Friendly: Lupin is less prone to burning and can be used both hot and cold.
- Locally Sourced: We proudly source our lupin from Australian farmers, supporting the local economy while ensuring the highest quality materials for our products.
15. Do I need a microwave to heat your heat packs?
Yes, our products must be heated in a microwave. However, you can still use them as cold packs by placing them in a ziplock bag and storing them in the freezer for cooling relief.
16. When should I use my pack as a cold pack rather than a heat pack?
We recommend using a cold pack within the first 48-72 hours of an acute injury (e.g., after a whiplash injury or arthritis flare-ups). The cooling helps control bleeding and swelling, reducing pain and speeding up recovery. After 48-72 hours, heating the wrap can help soothe stiff joints and relax muscles.
If you have chronic pain or tension, often heat is the most appropriate for providing relief.
Headache and migraines: we often find using a cool pack on your head and warm wrap on your neck the most effective solution.
17. What is lupin?
Lupin is a type of legume grown in Australia. It is odour- and fragrance-free, and unlike wheat, it doesn’t sweat when heated. It is 30% lighter than wheat and retains heat longer than traditional wheat bags.
18. Why aren’t the heat packs filled firmer with lupin?
The wraps are filled with the right amount of lupin to ensure comfort and flexibility. Overfilling the packs would make them inflexible, preventing them from moulding around your neck or joints as needed. Proper filling allows the wrap to comfortably conform to your body for effective relief.
19. What should I do if I think my heat pack is faulty?
If you experience any issues with any of products or believe it may be faulty, please email us at theratoolsaustralia@gmail.com. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible, including pictures if necessary. We will respond within 48 business hours to assist you in resolving the issue.
20. What is your shipping policy?
All of our products are hand made and at times they are made to order. Please allow up to 3 business day to pack and ship your order. Please see further details under 'refund policy' and 'shipping policy' located at the bottom of the page.
We ship daily Monday-Friday and you will be notified via email once your order is shipped.
Our Shipping Rates are:
$11 ~ under 1kg
$15 ~ 1kgs - 3kgs
$17 ~ 3kgs - 5kgs
$24 ~ over 5kgs
Please see individual item specifications for product weight estimates
If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our team. We are here to help!