An effective and proactive method for maintaining a strong body, to help prevent injuries, or to accelerate healing and recovery from a current or prior injury involves combining hot and cold therapy as a daily routine. Applied heat increases circulation by expanding/dilating the blood vessels at the application site (known as vasodilation). It is best-used to relax tight muscles and promote overall flexibility and range of motion. Cold treatments, on the other hand, are best-used to treat inflammation and pain. When cold is applied, the blood vessels at the application site constrict (known as vasoconstriction). To be effective, ice or cold packs should be applied for pain relief immediately following an injury or trauma or following physical activity.
Acute injuries happen suddenly. The pain is temporary and subsides as the injury is treated and heals. Swelling or bleeding should subside, however, before applying heat to promote healing. Chronic injuries exist and increase over time. Heat should be applied prior to engaging in physical activity and whenever necessary to help relieve chronic, recurring, pain.
Acute injuries happen suddenly. The pain is temporary and subsides as the injury is treated and heals. Swelling or bleeding should subside, however, before applying heat to promote healing. Chronic injuries exist and increase over time. Heat should be applied prior to engaging in physical activity and whenever necessary to help relieve chronic, recurring, pain.
Heat therapy, or thermotherapy, is a routinely-used and effective treatment for sports-related muscle and tissue injuries. It has also proved to be beneficial for treating health-related problems such as arthritis, muscle sprains, strains, and spasms. Heat increases blood flow and circulation, making muscles and tissue more flexible. It helps reduce joint stiffness, pain, and spasms by reducing inflammation and tissue congestion. Heat therapy applied prior to physical activity helps prevent exercise injuries by stimulating blood flow and aiding in muscle “warm-up.” Heat therapy also allows injury rehabilitation activity to begin sooner and the participant to be more fully engaged in it, thus gaining maximum benefits from the activity.