HEALTH

Choosing Between Warm and Cold Therapy After An Injury

Warm or Cold Therapy: Choosing the Right Option for Pain Relief

When it comes to managing pain, whether from an injury or chronic condition, understanding the benefits of warm or cold therapy is essential. Both options have their merits when used correctly, but it’s important to know the differences and make the right choice based on your specific needs.

The Basics of Warm and Cold Therapy

Both patches can bring positive results when used properly but they may also cause greater damage when they are misused. Below, you will find some basic principles regarding their proper use along with some differences to make the right choice after an injury. A general rule is that we use cold patches in the case of acute pain while in chronic pains, we use warm patches.

Cold Therapy: Benefits and Proper Use

The normal body reaction after an injury is the creation of inflammation or swelling. The blood vessels expand to carry more blood into the injured area to start the recovery procedure. Thus, using ice is a one-way solution for the first 24-27 hours with the aim of:

  1. contract blood vessels
  2. reduce the inflammation and swelling
  3. reduce pain by assisting the irritated nerves in the area

The use of ice or an ice pack must be done carefully to avoid skin burns. The use of a towel between the cold patch is necessary and the total application time must not last over 20 minutes. Repeating after 2-3 hours is ideal and usually the use should last for 72 hours after the injury unless it is applied after having done intensive training.

Warm Therapy: Benefits and Proper Use

On the other hand, warm therapy is more beneficial in chronic pains or conditions as it increases blood supply in the area and results in bigger oxygen and nutritious substances percentage which are carried there to make healing faster. Also, it can help tight or injured muscles relax.

Important Considerations and Precautions

Adverse results can be noticed if we use warm patches right after an injury occurs because the risk of inflammation is higher due to the increase in temperature. Theoretically speaking, warm therapy must be conducted 72 hours after the injury when the inflammation is supposed to be over. The best way for warm therapy to be successful is to apply a warm, wet towel or to have a hot bath for about 10-30 minutes twice or 5 times a day.

Useful Tools for Hot-Cold Therapy

  • Electrically heated pillow
  • Gel preparation that can be cooled or heated
  • A simple ice bag or frozen vegetables (always wrapped in a towel)
  • Hot or cold compress
  • Warm or cold bath

Helpful Tips

  • Do not exceed the application time and frequency throughout the day.
  • Allow the skin to return to its normal color and temperature before repeating.
  • Monitor your skin during the use of hot or cold patches for any changes (mild redness of the area is normal).
  • If you notice the following signs, stop the usage and call your doctor (it indicates that the temperature exceeded your limits or the application was too frequent, possibly resulting in skin damage): blisters, rashes, intense burning sensation, swelling, intense redness (dark red or purplish-red color, or appearance of red and white spots).

Epilogue

Warm and cold therapy options provide valuable pain relief and aid in the recovery process. By knowing when and how to use each option effectively, you can optimize your pain management strategy and facilitate healing. Consult with your healthcare professional for personalized guidance on utilizing warm or cold therapy for your specific condition. Also, learn how acupuncture can help you achieve pain-free aerial exercise and enhance your overall well-being in our article Achieve Pain-Free Aerial Exercise: The Power of Acupuncture.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/try-heat-or-ice

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/ice-and-heat-treatment-for-injuries

We would love to hear about your experiences with warm or cold therapy. Share your thoughts and any additional tips in the comments below!

About the author

Lefteris Voulgaris

Lefteris Voulgaris is a graduate of the Athens University of Applied Sciences with a degree in Physiotherapy. He also holds a postgraduate degree from Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom, specializing in musculoskeletal disorders. He has attended seminars at the postgraduate level offered by HOMTD (Hellenic Orthopedic Musculoskeletal Therapy Diploma). He is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Physiotherapists in Greece. Lefteris is the owner of a private physiotherapy center.

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