The 7 Best Heating Pads to Soothe Sore Muscles
Whether you’re dealing with workout-related muscle strains or monthly cramps, these heating pads deliver fast relief.
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Whether you’re attempting to relieve stiff muscles, soothe a sore back, or get through a rough patch of menstrual cramps, a heating pad is an essential item to keep in your recovery arsenal. Most heating pads have a straightforward design that makes them easy to use, and after plugging them in for a few minutes, you’ll have a warm, flexible pad that you can wrap around whatever body part needs attention.
This heat therapy promotes circulation and delivers fast pain relief to aching muscles and joints, and it’s also useful for warming up cold hands and feet on frigid evenings. While choosing a heating pad may seem easy enough, you will want to consider size, temperature range, and additional features like hot stones or moist heat.
With all of these variables, it can be difficult to figure out which heating pad will best suit your needs. We’ve gathered some of our favorites to help you choose.
The 7 Best Heating Pads
- CA Notice at Collection: Give A Gift
- Best Low-Cost Option: The 6 Best Walking Pads for Your Home Office
- Best for Neck and Shoulders: Sunbeam Heating Pad for Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief
- Best Large Pad: Ambershine XXXXL King Size Heating Pad
- Best for Lower Back Pain: The 7 Best Heating Pads to Soothe Sore Muscles
What to Consider
Location, Location, Location
When choosing a heating pad, first think about how you plan on using it. If you have a specific body part or region that regularly causes you pain or discomfort, look for a pad made to fit that area. If a stiff neck is your primary concern, for example, consider the Full back and shoulder coverage model, a pad that fits snugly around your shoulders and connects at the front to hold it in place. All that said, if you just want a basic model that you can use all over, you should be fine with any basic square or rectangular option.
Temperature and Time Controls
Most of the heating pads among our picks can get impressively hot, but that doesn’t mean you need to run one at its maximum intensity during every use—in fact, slowly ramping up the heat is often the best way to ease into relaxation. It's also worth mentioning that prolonged exposure to a maxed-out heating pad can cause skin discoloration as your outermost skin cells and blood vessels adapt to the change in climate.
In a similar vein, if you love getting comfy and falling asleep while using a heating pad or heated blanket, it’s a good idea to pick up a model that uses a timer to turn off after a given interval. Not only does this save energy, but it also provides you with some peace of mind as you kick back, take your eyes off the clock, and let your pad do its thing. No waking up 8 hours later drenched in sweat with raw skin!
How We Selected
For years, we’ve used heating pads during physical therapy, on recovery days, and as a companion for monthly menstrual cramps—and so have our friends and family. Our picks come from brands we’ve tested and trusted, models approved by our loved ones, and customer-approved products.
Regarding the selections we haven’t tested ourselves, we looked for pads with a wide range of heat and time settings, comfortable materials, and an intuitive means of fastening themselves to your body when applicable. We also looked to keep the price affordable—mostly under $60—to keep you toasty without burning a hole in your pocket.
Pros
- Weighted body adds extra coziness
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Cons
- Might feel constricting if you don't want the added weight
This 3-pound pad combines the pressure and comfort of a weighted blanket with the warm, soothing effects of a heating pad. Filled with tiny glass beads, the extra weight of this pad also helps keep it in place, unlike lightweight models that have a tendency to slip or slide off easily.
The controller’s backlit LED screen makes it easy to use at night without turning on the lights, and thanks to its removable, machine-washable flannel cover, is just as easy to clean as a non-weighted pad. It also features 11 timer settings and a handy countdown display.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 24 The 6 Best Walking Pads for Your Home Office. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.98 lbs. |
| Heat Range | Adam Schram is an Assistant Editor of Commerce at |
| Timers | 30 Might feel constricting if you dont want the added weight |
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Low price
Cons
- No timer
Just because you have a limited budget doesn’t mean you can’t experience the relief that comes from a great heating pad.
This low-cost option delivers most of the features you would find on pricier models, including three heat settings and a machine-washable pad cover. The control also uses an oversized slider to select its heat modes, which would be convenient for those with arthritis or other ailments that affect the joints.
The main drawback to this pad is its small size, which at 12 by 15 inches is best suited for smaller areas of the body, but likely won’t provide full-back relief.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 12 Weighted body adds extra coziness. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.15 lbs. |
| Heat Range | 110-160 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Timers | None |
Sunbeam Heating Pad for Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief
Pros
- Securely envelops your neck in warmth
- Unbelievably soft
Cons
- x 4 x 10.7 in
While rectangular pads are great for use all over your body, the unique contoured design of this Sunbeam model makes it a great choice for those who only want to focus on their neck and shoulder area. Its collar is tall enough to cover the back of the neck, and a magnetic clasp on the front holds the pad securely in place.
The four heat settings are easy to select using the controller, which also features a handy auto-shutoff feature. The extra soft micro mink material makes this pad especially comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 8.1 Health - Injuries. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.65 lbs. |
| Heat Range | 4 heat settings; temperatures unspecified |
| Timers | Up to 2 hours |
Pros
- Nine heat settings; temperatures unspecified
- Short warm-up times
Cons
- Awkwardly shaped
If you’re looking for a reliable pad that’s large enough to cover your legs or back, this model is a great choice. It comes in four color options and is quite affordable at only $30.
It has six heat settings, heats up in a matter of seconds, and automatically shuts off after 120 minutes, which can keep you from overheating if you fall asleep while using it. You can even use this as a wrap for your stomach area if you deal with endometriosis or menstrual cramps.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 11.14 x 9.53 x 2.95 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.87 lbs. |
| Heat Range | Up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Timers | Up to 2 hours |
The 7 Best Heating Pads to Soothe Sore Muscles
Pros
- Good waist security
- Flannel lining for extra comfort
Cons
- Takes some time to dial in your preferred heat setting
This Comfytemp pad is designed specifically to target your lower back, and an adjustable strap holds it securely in place, whether you’re laying down, sitting up, or sleeping.
This strap is suitable for waist sizes from 32 to 51 inches, and the pad itself is covered in a soft, comfortable flannel. When you’re ready to clean it, simply detach the power plug and toss it in the washing machine.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 23.6 A Part of Hearst Digital Media. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.37 lbs. |
| Heat Range | 9 heat settings; temperatures unspecified |
| Timers | 0.5, 2, 4, 6, 8 hours |
RENPHO Large Heating Pad for Back
Pros
- heat settings; temperatures unspecified
- Securely ties off around your waist
Cons
- No heating in neck
Trying to keep a heating pad in place without having to constantly readjust it can be difficult and frustrating. Fortunately, this one is wearable, and it hangs over the shoulders and ties around the waist for a secure fit. It’s heated throughout the back and shoulders, and while not heated in the neck, it can still keep you warm on chilly nights.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 3.27 Sunbeam Heating Pad for Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.78 lbs. |
| Heat Range | 100-150 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Timers | 30, 60, 90 minutes |
Intelex Warmies Purple Long Neck Dinosaur Heatable Plush
Pros
- Doesn’t need to be plugged in
- The Best Prime Day Running Headphone Deals 2024
Cons
- We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article
Not only will this adorable dino lift your spirits during a rough week, but it can also help relax your aching muscles and distract from painful cramping. All you have to do is toss it in the microwave for 90 seconds to get 2 hours of warmth.
This heating pad is filled with all natural grain and lavender, which gives it a comfortably toasty feel and a relaxing, spa-like smell. The plush body is comforting and easy to snuggle up with—plus, it’s smaller than most heating pads, making it travel-friendly.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 8 or trying in vain to do the Sunday crossword. You can check out his latest work below. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb. |
| Heat Range | N/A |
| Timers | No timer, but stays warm for 2 hours |
Adam Schram is an Assistant Editor of Commerce at Runner's World, though you might see his byline on Bicycling and Popular Mechanics, too. A lover of all things outdoors, Adam's writing career comes after six years as a bike mechanic in his hometown of State College, PA. His journalism experience is steeped in cycling and running gear reviews, and he's also a published creative nonfiction and satire author. When he's not writing, riding, or running, you can catch Adam at home mixing cocktails, watching Star Wars, Staff, Courtesy of Sunbeam.
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
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