Hot or Cold? Which one to choose?
Dealing with chronic pain can be frustrating. If you are dealing with chronic pain, or any muscle pain and are tired, this article can lead you to the answer. Having pain and not knowing how to relieve it can cause anxiety and lead to Depression. (Article ) To help those who are struggling with chronic pain, Hot and Cold therapy can be considered as a pain relief alternative. (Article)
Heat Therapy:
Heat therapy is recommended for improving chronic pain and reducing the degree of pain. Using heat therapy will increase the muscle strength. (Article) Heat Therapy will increase blood circulation and will increase temperature. Heat therapy can be done in various ways, such as sauna, steam towels, or if you don’t have access to any of those, using Heat Pads can be a good solution.
Consideration:
Using Heat pads to relieve chronic pain can be very helpful. However, there are some situations in Heat therapy that may not be the answer. People with these pre-existing conditions should avoid heat therapy:
- People with dermatitis
- People with Deep vein thrombosis
- People with severe cognitive impairment
Hot or Warm:
People who are using heat therapy should consider that heat therapy should be warm, not hot. Using Heat pads will help to control temperature and avoid any burning skin.
Applying time:
The amount of time for using Heat Pads depends on factors such as the area of pain. Also, getting the best result, moist heat should be applied until it penetrates the skin and warms muscles or joints.
Cold therapy:
Cold therapy or cryotherapy is a method for reducing blood circulation, inflammation and reducing the recovery time in sports injuries. Since using cold packs can reduce nerve activity and relieve pain, it can be very useful for joints and tendons. Caution should be used in application of cold as too much cold may affect the nerves.
Applying Cold packs:
Cold packs can be used easily. The packs can be put in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours wrapped in a plastic bag and applied to the injured area. The Warm Buddy Cold packs (not gel) can be applied directly to the skin as they do not cause skin damage. This treatment can be used several times a day and between 10 to 15 min.
Takeaway:
Hot and Cold therapy can effectively increase the process of healing and also reduce pain. Hot therapy can help muscle cramps or stiff joints as well as promote the process of healing. Cold therapy will reduce inflammation and swelling and reduce pain. Both need to be used as directed to be effective.
