Gel Pads Market

Gel Pads Market Outlook (2022 to 2032)

The Global Gel Pads Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 172.3 million and is projected to reach US$ 258.9 million by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 3.8%, according to this new study by Persistence Market Research.

Gel pads are usually made up of silicone, latex, or polymers and are used in both heat and cold therapy. The use of gel pads has proven to be an effective treatment option for various types of aches and pains. Gel pads cover a wide range of applications depending on the purpose of treatment. For example, gel pads for heels help provide support and absorb shocks.

Evolving lifestyles and an increase in the number of accidents and sports injuries are anticipated to create lucrative opportunities for the cold and heat therapy market as well.

• Sales of electric gel pads currently account for 67.9% share of the global market.
• North America accounted for 40.7% share of the global gel pads market in 2021.
• Sales of gel pads accounted for 9.6% share of the global hot and cold therapy packs market in 2021.

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Sales Analysis of Gel Pads (2012 to 2021) Vs. Market Projections (2022 to 2032)

• Sales of gel pads increased at a CAGR of 2.9% from 2012 to 2021 due to a rise in the number of injuries sustained from physical activities.

The use of gel pads is an outcome of advancements in heat and cold therapy, which is the traditional method of treating pain. The use of heat therapy for treating fever and relieving arthritis pain and neuritis dates back to 500 BC. Thermal baths in hot springs and the use of hot stones are pain-relief practices that have been in use for centuries. The use of cold therapy or cryotherapy to reduce inflammation dates back to 3500 BC.

The benefits of these therapies gave rise to gel pads. Hot and cold gel packs were invented in 1948. These packs that served a dual purpose contained a liquid that could be frozen and also heated.

Gel pads have many applications in pain management. When used for heat therapy, they enhance the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to muscles to promote muscular rehabilitation. Applying heat pads to affected areas eases discomfort, reduces muscular tension, and stimulates muscle contractions. Cold gel pads or ice packs contain toxic elements such as diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol (antifreeze) and are therefore not a preferred choice for pain therapy, unlike heat pads.

In addition, the rise in the number of injuries from physical activities such as sports and the increasing prevalence of orthopedic disorders are driving the demand for gel pads. Additionally, the wide availability of gel pads as over-the-counter products has pushed their sales.

• Worldwide demand for gel pads is expected to increase at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2022 to 2032.

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What are the Key Opportunities for Manufacturers of Gel Pads?

Osteoarthritis is an age-related abnormality of the musculoskeletal system, and the severity of this condition is closely linked with other risk factors such as obesity, joint damage, heredity, and anatomical traits that affect joint mechanics.

• According to a study published in the Arthritis & Rheumatology journal, cases of osteoarthritis across the world increased by 113.25% from 247.51 million in 1990 to 527.81 million in 2019. China had the highest number of cases with 132.81 million cases, followed by India with 62.36 million cases, and the United States with 51.87 million cases.

Technologically advanced electric gel pads that are equipped with temperature control have become popular. Gel pads without the temperature control function need to be cooled in the refrigerator or heated in the microwave depending on their intended use. These advancements have significantly benefitted leading manufacturers of gel pads.

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What are the Factors Restraining the Demand Growth for Gel Pads?

One of the factors limiting the sales of gel pads is the lack of awareness about innovative pain management therapies, which has led to a preference for affordable generic drugs and the overuse of over-the-counter medications in emerging economies.

Alternative therapies like physical therapy, relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acupuncture are also available and are often more accessible and cost-effective for patients seeking relief from acute or chronic pain.

Another factor is the high rate of product recalls of gel pads due to defects that may lead to health complications.

For instance:

• On October 24, 2022, approximately 500,000 electric heating pads manufactured by Mighty Bliss were recalled. These products, distributed by Whele LLC, were offered for sale online through Walmart and Amazon.

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Country-wise Insights

What Makes the United States a Lucrative Market for Manufacturers of Gel Pads?

• The United States accounts for 27.6% share of the global market.

Demand for gel pads in this country is anticipated to progress at a significant rate. The increasing prevalence of orthopedic abnormalities in the United States is necessitating the production of a large number of gel pads.

• As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 24% of adults in the United States have arthritis, which accounts for 58.9 million people. Arthritis is a leading cause of work disability in the country.

What is the Demand Outlook for Gel Pads in India?

• India accounts for 56.4% share of the South Asian gel pads market.

Gel pads are extensively used by women in India for relief from menstrual pain.

• According to a study titled 'Endometriosis and Inflammatory Immune Responses: Indian Experience' published by the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, endometriosis affects 42 million women in India. This disorder causes painful periods and cramping.

How is Demand for Gel Pads Shaping Up in the United Kingdom?

• The United Kingdom accounts for 24.3% share of the European market and product demand is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 4% through 2032.

The high prevalence of muscle-related problems in the United Kingdom is driving the sales of gel pads in the country.

For instance:

• According to information from NHS England, around 20 million people in the United Kingdom, or close to one-third of the population, suffer from musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis or back pain. Muscle stiffness and nerve pain significantly affect people’s quality of life in this country.

Category-wise Insights

Which is the Most Popular Type of Gel Pad?

• Sales of electric pads are expected to advance at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2032.

Electric pads are the most widely used gel pads because of their long battery backup and temperature control function.

Which Therapy Type Generates the Highest Sales for Gel Pads?

• Gel pads designed for heat therapy generate high sales and occupy a market share of 73.2%.

Heat therapy is frequently utilized to alleviate pain resulting from tissue damage, injury, and muscle stiffness. This therapy involves increasing the temperature of the affected muscle, which can help enhance its flexibility and promote blood circulation, leading to pain relief. Gel heating pads are a convenient tool for delivering this type of therapy.

Which Type of Gel Pad Material is Most Popular?

• Silicone gel pads account for 32.3% of the global market share and their sales are projected to increase at a significant rate through 2032.

Silicone is a versatile material that is commonly used in the production of thermal pads. Its excellent electric isolation properties make it the preferred choice for manufacturing gel pads.

Which Application Segment Benefits the Most from Sales of Gel Pads?

• The orthopedic pain segment occupies a leading market share of 34.6%.

Orthopedic conditions are a common problem that typically affects the joints in the body and is more prevalent in the aging population. With the increasing geriatric population worldwide, along with a rise in orthopedic injuries due to increased physical activity, there is an expanding market opportunity for gel pads.

• The World Health Organization projects that by 2030, one out of every six people in the world will be aged 60 or above. The number of individuals over the age of 60 is expected to reach 1.4 billion, up from 1 billion in 2020. The global population of people aged 60 years and older is predicted to double by 2050, reaching 2.1 billion. Moreover, the number of people aged 80 years or older is projected to triple between 2020 and 2050, reaching 426 million.

Competitive Landscape

Major players in the gel pads industry are currently focusing on expanding their market presence and increasing the supply of gel pads to gain momentum in the market. Prominent manufacturers such as Cardinal Health, Sunbeam, and 3M are regularly introducing new product types and implementing strategic approaches such as collaborations and expansions to enhance their production.

• In February 2022, Cardinal Health announced the use of Kinaxis Rapid Response technology to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of its medical product supply chain.
• In December 2020, Sunbeam introduced the GoHeatTM Cordless Heating Pad, a portable and innovative design that provides high-level heat therapy. This product is intended to help individuals manage their pain from any location, at any time.

Gel Pads Industry Report Scope

Gel Pads Industry Segmentation

By Product:

• Electric Pads
• Non-electric Pads

By Therapy Type:

• Heat Therapy
• Cold Therapy

By Material:

• PVC
• Silicone
• Nylon
• Others

By Application:

• Head & Neck Pain
• Menstrual Pain
• Orthopedic Pain
• Others

By Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Pharmacies & Drug Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online Pharmacies

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• South Asia
• East Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)