Paraffin wax therapy is commonly used in physical therapy and rehabilitation settings for musculoskeletal injuries, including sprains. The application involves immersing the affected area in warm, melted paraffin wax, which delivers moist heat to the tissues. Scientific evidence suggests that paraffin wax therapy can help increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and improve tissue flexibility, which may facilitate the healing process of soft tissue injuries such as sprains.

Several small-scale studies and clinical reports have demonstrated that paraffin wax baths can be effective in reducing pain and stiffness, particularly in chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. For acute sprains, the primary benefit appears to be the reduction of pain and muscle spasm through heat application, as heat has well-established roles in promoting circulation and tissue extensibility. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically addressing paraffin wax for sprains are limited, and most recommendations are extrapolated from studies on other musculoskeletal conditions.

While paraffin wax therapy is generally considered safe and is widely used by therapists, it should not be applied during the acute inflammatory phase of a sprain (typically the first 24-48 hours), when cold therapy is preferred to minimize swelling. Overall, the use of paraffin wax for sprains is supported by moderate scientific evidence, primarily related to its general heat therapy effects.