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CostHelper > Health & Personal Care  > Orthopedics and Injuries > Paraffin Bath

Paraffin Bath Cost


How Much Does a Paraffin Bath Cost?

 
average costAt a Spa: $10-$20 Per Treatmenthigh costAt-Home Paraffin Bath System: $25-$200+

A paraffin bath is a form of heat therapy that can reduce pain and improve range of motion in the hands or feet of patients with arthritis. It also can soften dry or cracked skin.

Typical costs:

  • Without health insurance, a paraffin bath at a spa typically costs $10-$20 per treatment. For example, Flaunt[1] spa in Covington, GA, charges $12.50 for a 15-minute dip for either the hands or the feet. And Serenity Spa in Roseville, CA, charges $15 for a dip, for either hands or feet. And Blooming Moon Wellness Spa in Portland, OR, charges $12 for hands or feet or $20 for both hands and feet.
  • Without health insurance, an at-home paraffin bath system typically costs from about $25 for a basic home system with a 3-pound capacity tub up to $200 or more for a home system with a 6 to 9-pound capacity, heavy duty tub and extra features such as an automatic thermostat and extra insulation. For example, a HoMedics Paraffin Bath[2] costs about $25 at Amazon, while a Therabath Professional Paraffin Bath[3] costs about $180.
  • Some health insurance companies consider a portable home-use paraffin bath system medically necessary in certain cases. For example, Aetna[4] will provide coverage for a device if the patient has undergone a successful trial period and if the patient has a condition, such as severe rheumatoid arthritis, that is expected to be relieved by the therapy. However, CIGNA[5] considers a paraffin bath system to be a self-help/convenience item and generally does not cover them. For patients covered by health insurance, the typical cost would consist of a doctor visit copay and a durable medical equipment copay or coinsurance.
Related articles: Elbow Treatment or Surgery, Manicures and Pedicures

What should be included:
  • Paraffin wax is heated in the tub of a paraffin bath system until it has melted and reached a temperature of about 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Then the hands and/or feet are dipped into the paraffin several times, put in plastic liners, then encased in towels or thermal mitts or booties. The wax is left on for 15-20 minutes to allow the heat to penetrate, then is peeled off.
  • According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases[6] , heat therapy, including paraffin wax treatment, can improve blood flow to the arthritis-affected area, increase flexibility and raise pain tolerance.
Additional costs:
  • Paraffin wax refills for at-home systems typically cost about $3 to $6 per pound, or slightly less if bought in bulk. Scented paraffin typically costs more than unscented.
  • Plastic hand or foot liners, into which you place the freshly dipped hand or foot when using an at-home system, usually cost less than $10 for a box of 100.
  • Hand mitts or booties, which can be slipped over the plastic liners to keep the heat in during the treatment, cost about $30 to $50 per pair.
  • Accessories such as wax, liners and gloves/booties are sold at Amazon [7] and on manufacturer websites such as TheraBathPro.com[8] .
Discounts:
  • Many spas offer a discount if multiple treatments are purchased as a package. Or some spas offer paraffin baths free, or for a lower price, with a manicure or pedicure. For example, Bella Sun Spa & Hair Design[9] in Woodland, WA, offers them for an additional $5.
  • A paraffin bath can be done using a crock pot and a thermometer; however it is very important to check the temperature to avoid burns. The Ohio State University Medical Center offers instructions.
Shopping for a paraffin bath:
  • Paraffin wax bath systems can be purchased at discount stores, such as Walmart[10] , online retailers such as Amazon [11] and medical supply companies such as Allegro Medical[12] .
  • Features to consider before buying include: the size of the tub in relation to the body that will be treated; the shape of the tub; the construction of the tub; whether there are multiple heat settings; whether it is programmable; and whether it comes with extras, such as paraffin, plastic liners or thermal mitts or booties.
  • Some paraffin bath systems, especially the more expensive ones, come with a lifetime guarantee.
  • It is important to check with a doctor before beginning paraffin bath therapy. In general, paraffin baths should not be used if there are open wounds, inflammation, heat sensitivity, edema or malignancy. Risks include burns or swelling and or/rashes in people with sensitive skin.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
 
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External Resources:
  1.  flauntsalon.com/services/manicures-and-pedicures/paraffin-dip/280200/
  2.  www.amazon.com/Homedics-Paraffin-Bath-Par-300-Blue/dp/B002HEHNC0/
  3.  www.amazon.com/Therabath-Professional-Paraffin-Peach-Maximum/dp/B00464ACCC
  4.  www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/500_599/0540.html
  5.  /cignaforhcp.cigna.com/public/content/pdf/coveragePolicies/medical/mm_0072_coverag...
  6.  www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Arthritis/arthritis_rheumatic_qa.asp
  7.  www.amazon.com/s/url=search-alias=beauty&field-keywords=paraffin+bath+liners&x=6&y=18
  8.  www.therabathpro.com/products/products.php
  9.  www.bellasunspa.com/
  10.  www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=paraffin&ic=48_0&Find=Find&search...
  11.  www.amazon.com/s/url=search-alias=beauty&field-keywords=paraffin+bath+liners&x=6&y=18
  12.  www.allegromedical.com/browse/browseProducts.do?searchPhrase=paraffin+bath
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