Deep Heat — Frequently Asked Questions
How does Deep Heat work?
Deep Heat products create a warming sensation on the skin. That warmth helps relax tight, tense muscle and encourages blood flow to the area, which is what makes stiff, aching muscles feel more comfortable. Several products in the range, including the Rapid Gel and the Muscle Massage Roll-On Lotion, are non-medicinal and work through warmth alone. If you are taking any medication, check with your pharmacist first.
Which Deep Heat product should I choose?
It comes down to how you want to apply it and how long you want it to last:
- Deep Heat Cream — the classic warming rub for muscular aches, backache, stiffness, sprains and strains. Available in 35g, 67g and 100g.
- Deep Heat Rapid Gel 50ml — starts to work in 60 seconds, with a pump dispenser so there is no mess on your hands. Up to 40 applications per pack, and vegan friendly.
- Deep Heat Magnesium Massage Balm 50ml — a gently warming balm with magnesium chloride, arnica, rosemary, black pepper, ginger and eucalyptus oils. Best where you want to massage the area properly.
- Muscle Rescue Heat Spray 72.5ml — no rubbing needed, so it is the easiest option for reaching your own back or shoulders.
- Muscle Massage Roll-On Lotion 50ml — clean, controlled application; ideal for a gym bag.
- Heat Patches and the Warming Belt — steady warmth for hours under your clothes while you get on with your day.
How long do the patches and the Warming Belt last?
Deep Heat Pain Relief Patches provide up to 8 hours of penetrating warmth. The Deep Heat Warming Belt, shaped for the lower back and hips, gives up to 12 hours of muscular pain relief. Both are odourless and worn discreetly under clothing, so there is no smell and no need to reapply through the day. Always follow the wear-time instructions on the pack.
Can I use Deep Heat before exercise?
Yes. The Magnesium Massage Balm and Rapid Gel are both designed to be used before activity as part of a warm-up, and again afterwards on tired muscles. They are not a substitute for warming up properly, but they are a popular addition to it. You will find the full sports range in our Warm-Up & Recovery collection.
Should I use Deep Heat or Deep Freeze?
The usual guidance is cold first, heat later.
- Reach for Deep Freeze in the first 48 hours after a fresh knock, sprain or strain, when the area feels hot, swollen or freshly injured. The range includes Deep Freeze Cold Gel (35g and 100g), the Pain Relief Gel Roll On 50g, Muscle Rescue Cold Spray 72.5ml and Deep Freeze Cold Patches.
- Reach for Deep Heat once that initial phase has settled and what is left is stiffness, tension and a dull ache — or for the everyday tight back, neck and shoulders that were never an injury in the first place.
Never use a heat product and a cold product on the same area at the same time. If you are unsure, or if the pain is severe or not improving, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
How often can I apply it?
This varies by product, so always follow the directions on the pack or leaflet. As a general rule, apply to intact skin only, massage in where directed, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Do not apply more frequently than the label allows in the hope of a stronger effect.
Is there anything I should avoid while using Deep Heat?
A few standard precautions apply to warming products:
- Only apply to clean, unbroken skin — never to cuts, grazes, rashes or irritated skin.
- Keep away from the eyes, mouth and other sensitive areas, and wash your hands after applying.
- Do not use with a hot water bottle, heat pad or electric blanket on the same area.
- Avoid applying immediately before or after a hot bath, shower or sauna.
- Do not cover a cream, gel or spray with a tight bandage or dressing unless a healthcare professional has told you to.
Always read the label and the enclosed leaflet before use.
Can children use Deep Heat?
Age suitability differs across the range, so check the individual pack before use and ask our pharmacy team if you are unsure. Warming products are generally not suitable for young children.
Can I use it if I am pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medication?
Speak to your pharmacist or doctor first. Deep Heat Cream contains methyl salicylate, an ingredient related to aspirin, which will not suit everyone — particularly anyone sensitive to aspirin or NSAIDs, or taking blood-thinning medication. Our pharmacists are happy to check the specific product for you.
Does Deep Heat smell strongly?
The creams and sprays have the recognisable menthol-and-camphor scent. The Rapid Gel uses a lighter herbal fragrance, and if you would rather avoid scent altogether, the Heat Patches and Warming Belt are odourless.
Inish Pharmacy Expert Tip
"If your back tightens up at the same point every day, a patch beats a cream. Put a Deep Heat Patch on before the stiffness sets in rather than after — you get eight hours of steady warmth under your clothes, and you are not stopping to reapply anything."
