Heat triggers vasodilation — blood vessels widen, so circulation to the area increases. That delivers more oxygen and nutrients and clears metabolic waste, while the warmth relaxes muscle fibres and reduces spasm.

It also has an analgesic effect: warmth activates skin thermoreceptors that dampen the discomfort signals travelling to your brain (the "gate control" effect). Net result — less stiffness, better flexibility, faster recovery.

Yes — thermotherapy is a long-established, drug-free recovery method.

• For menstrual discomfort, studies suggest continuous low-level heat (~40°C) can ease cramping about as effectively as common over-the-counter relief, by relaxing the uterine muscle and improving pelvic blood flow.
• For muscles and joints, heat is shown to improve circulation, tissue elasticity and range of motion.

It depends on the problem:

• Heat (vasodilation) — stiffness, muscle tension, cramps, chronic aches, or warming up before activity. Anything tight or sore but not swollen.
• Ice (vasoconstriction) — a fresh, swollen or inflamed injury in the first 24–72 hours, to limit swelling.

Rule of thumb: if it's swollen, ice it; if it's tight, stiff or cramping, heat it.

Heat therapy is only beneficial inside a therapeutic window — warm enough to dilate vessels, never hot enough to damage tissue.

That needs steady temperature regulation, a skin-safe barrier over the heating element, and a time limit.

hCore manages all three: real-time temperature control, a breathable skin-safe surface, and automatic shut-off after 120 minutes.

No — these are low-wattage devices (50–270W), roughly ₹0.40–₹2.16 an hour. The everyday pads draw less than a ceiling fan and a fraction of a 2000W room heater.

For most muscle and joint recovery, 15–20 minutes is enough to raise tissue temperature and boost local blood flow — repeat through the day as needed. For menstrual comfort or chronic stiffness, longer low-level warmth (up to ~2 hours) works well. Steady, moderate heat does more than short bursts of high heat.

Daily heat is safe and often recommended for ongoing stiffness and recovery. The one real caution with any heat source overnight is falling asleep on high heat against bare skin — so use a moderate setting, keep a layer of fabric in between, and rely on auto shut-off.

Heat isn't right for every person or moment:

• Reduced sensation (diabetes, neuropathy) — you may not feel overheating, which raises burn risk
• Active swelling, fresh injury, or inflammation — heat can make it worse (use ice first)
• Pregnancy, or broken/irritated skin — check with a doctor first
• Children under 3

Wipe the surface with a dry or lightly damp cloth — unplug and let it cool first. Don't machine-wash or soak the electrical parts. (The Foot Warmer is the exception: it has a removable, machine-washable lining.)

Every hCore has a 1-year doorstep warranty across India — if something's wrong, we arrange pickup, you never ship it yourself. Reach us at [support email / WhatsApp].