Blog How to use Ice Cold and Hot Compression Therapy for Pain and soreness

Cold and heat both boost particular blood flow and nutrients in our bodies. Heat works best for morning stiffness and warms up our muscles before doing any heavy physical activity. On the other hand, coldness slows blood flow and therefore reduces the swelling and pain of the body – no wonder why our dentists recommend eating ice cream after tooth extraction. 

But does it matter whether we use Cold or Heat compressions for pain and soreness? The answer is yes. You may use both when treating osteoarthritis, back pain, neck pain, or rheumatoid arthritis. This is because it will relieve muscle spasms, stiffness, swelling, and tender joints, whether you are applying heat or ice. But it is sometimes confusing if one should use heat or cold compression to treat any body parts. 

Maybe the following facts about these two can help you analyze if you need to use compressions. 

Use HEAT when:

• The area needs more blood. For example, you need relief from morning stiffness or an activity you have to do that requires warming up muscles. If you apply heat before a tireless activity, you’re minimizing your chances of getting chronic injury and muscle soreness. 
• You have new acute injuries. If you had a terrible accident and contracted bone fractures, applying heat compressions two to three days after medical attention is better. For chronic injuries, heat is much better than cold, regarding pain, stiffness, pain, and soreness. Remember, do not use heat compressions for the first 48 hours of the injury. 
• There’s an inflamed area in the body. Applying heat on the area will increase blood vessels, will relax sore and tightened muscles, and improve blood flow of the body. 
• In need of therapy. Hot compression is a type of physical therapy that uses heat to increase blood flow and reduce pain. It often treats pain and soreness from sprains, strains, arthritis, or muscle spasms.
• In need of a massage. A hot compression is a form of massage therapy that uses heat to relieve pain and soreness. It can be used for various reasons, such as muscle aches, joint pain, and arthritis.

Use COLD when: 

• Numbing injured tissues. Since cold compress restricts blood circulation instead of heat, it will numb the pain of your injuries and help limit bruises. 
• Lessens inflammation and swelling. Aside from numbing, restricting your blood flow will also reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected areas. 

Now that you know the similarities and differences, let’s be familiar with how to use ice-cold and hot compression to treat pain and soreness. 

Ice Cold Compression:

Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, has many ways of treatment. Whether ice packs, massages, coolant sprays, or ice baths. If you want the therapy to be more convenient, you can use an Ice therapy machine or Face Ice wrap. 

• In Ice packs, frozen peas are wrapped ice in a thin clean towel or cold gel packs. 
• Ice massages however are performed as often as you’re comfortable with it. But the recommended time is once a day. It’s also better if you do it every evening and 10-minute period every waking hour. 
• Face Ice Wrap – this product of Arctic flex is used to treat headaches, dental work, and cosmetic surgery. It’s latex-free neoprene and has a non-toxic gel, unlike any other ice wrap product. It also promotes moderate compression on your head, is considered soothing by many, and effectively relieves facial pain. Arctic flex Face Ice Wrap is a piece of soft fabric that can be comfortably fit in faces. More importantly, it’s hands-free, so you can simultaneously complete therapy and daily tasks. 

To use Face Ice Wrap, adjust the Velcro strips depending on the side of your face and head.

• Ice Therapy Machine - This product is available online at Sky Medical Supplies. It is used to relieve you from post-surgery swelling and inflammation. It will also decrease post-workout stiffness and pain. Ice Therapy Machine has a durable composite and insulated foam tubing, making it a product that targets people who need cold therapies. 

How to use the Ice Therapy Machine?

1. Add ice and water to the product base. There’s a labeled fill line for the ice and cold water. 
2. Make sure that the lid on the base is secured. 
3. Put the insulated hose connection in the unit until you hear it click. 
4. Attach the therapy pad to the inserted insulated hose, and ensure the audible click. 
5. Connect a grounded outlet to the unit using the power cord. 
6. Press the power button and then use the up and down to set up your preferred flow, duration, and usage rate. 
7. Secure the therapy pad by adjusting the bands. 
8. Finally, push the start button. 

Hot Compression:

Hot compression is a great way to relieve pain and soreness. It is done by wrapping cloth or towel around the affected area and heating it with a heating pad. It can be used to treat pain and soreness. It is a simple method that uses heat to reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected area.

Hot compression can also be done at home, but there are many options for hot professional reductions. These options include:

• Using an inflatable bag.
• Using a hot water bottle.
• Using a portable electric device that can be heated up in the microwave.
• Using a hot pack or heat up a wet towel and place it on the affected area for about 20 minutes.