Ice packs and heating packs are highly considered treatments for pulled muscles, inflammation, pain management, etc. These treatment methods are effective for managing pains, injuries, etc. However, the common question is—what conditions call for cold and which ones for hot. Sometimes, a combination of both can be effective.
In this blog post, we will shed light on both heat and cold therapies, their types, how they work, and more.
Cold therapy
Also known as cryotherapy, cold therapy is beneficial in reducing the blood flow in a particular part. This can help in reducing pain due to swelling or inflammation. The formula works by reducing the nerve activity temporarily, thus alleviating pain.
There’re several ways cold therapy can be applied to the affected area—ice baths, massage, ice packs, etc.
How to apply– Wrap the ice packs in a towel, and apply on the affected area. Remember, you should never apply the cold packs directly to the skin. And, start the treatment as soon as possible after the injury.
It’s recommended to use the cold therapy for 10-15 minute durations in a day. However, applying the cold packs for more than 20 minutes at a time can lead to damaging nerves, skin, and tissues.
If you’re a cardiovascular patient or haven’t helped after 48 hours, consult a professional doctor. Additionally, you should avoid cold therapy in the following situations-
- Risk of cramping
- The affected area is already numb
- Open wound
- The patient is hypersensitive to cold
Heat therapy
Applying heat therapy can help improve blood circulation in the affected area. It can help repair damaged tissues and relax muscles, thus alleviating pain.
Heat therapy is considered more effective to cold therapy when it comes to managing chronic muscle pain due to arthritis.
Heat therapy can be applied using different methods—hot water bottles, electrical heating pads, and heat wrap. Additionally, you can also soak the affected area in a heat tub (between 92 and 100 degrees Celsius).
Moist heat packs provide quick relief (usually 2 hours) compared to the dry heat packs, which are usually applied for 8 hours.
Heat therapy can be useful for relieving osteoarthritis, chronic irritation, pain or spasms associated with back or neck injury, strains and sprains.
You shouldn’t use the heat therapy if-
- The affected area is numb
- Skin is red and inflamed
- The patient is insensitive to heat
However, if you’re suffering from heart disease, hypertension, etc., consult a certified doctor before you use heat therapy.
Heat and cold therapies are beneficial in easing pain related to inflammation, injury, etc. However, it’s important to learn when to apply cold therapy and when to apply heat therapy for a speedy recovery. However, in some situations, both of them are required.
You can purchase reusable hot & cold packs, instant hot & cold packs from online sites. However, you can also go for some government-approved technology-based products offering transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy, such as Therapeutix USA.
In case the pain or discomfort increases with either treatment or you’re not getting the required results, stop the treatment. Talk to a professional doctor to discuss the available treatment options.
Therapeutix USA– Live Pain Free 