When Should You Benefit Hot Or Cold Therapy To Treat An Injury?

Hot or cold therapy is frequently used to treat injuries such as a torn muscle or sprained ankle. Many people are unclear about which form of therapy to utilize on an injury when employing this type of therapy. When to utilize heat or cold therapy is explained in the next section.

Therapeutic Heat

Heat therapy is commonly used before exercising or participating in sports to relax and stretch the muscles. Typically, heat is applied for around 20 minutes. Heat treatment typically involves the use of a heated damp towel, a hot pack, and a heating pad. Back ailments are commonly treated with heat therapy. It is not recommended for sprained ankles, swollen joints, or muscles. Heat therapy is most effective when the temperature is between 104 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

Visit: https://pausestudio.com/contrast-therapy

Therapeutic Cold

Cold therapy is used to treat pain, inflammation, and metabolic slowdown. The cold reduces nerve activity, which reduces pain. Cold constricts blood vessels, preventing fluid from flowing to the injury, which causes swelling, and allowing fluid outflow. Swelling is reduced as a result of this. Cold inhibits muscle spasms and tightens muscles, making it impossible for them to expand and extend, allowing for recovery.

Immediate injuries benefit from cold therapy because it lowers both pain and swelling. It is effective in the treatment of lower back pain. For about 10 minutes at a time, ice wrapped in a towel and cold packs are commonly utilized. Some folks use an ice bag or frozen vegetables like peas. Cold treatment can help with chronic pain injuries as well. Because it tightens muscles and makes them less flexible, it should not be used before exercise.

Hot and cold therapy is an effective treatment for injuries caused by activities such as heavy lifting, exercise, sports, or any other activity that requires intensive use of the muscles and ligaments. These kinds of injuries are rather prevalent. The therapy you accept will be determined by the sort of damage you have. It's crucial to remember that an injury might be serious, so you should seek medical attention if it worsens.

If the injury does not improve within 48 hours, many experts advise contacting a doctor. For the best outcomes, whether you utilize hot or cold therapy, it's critical to employ the correct temperature and duration.

🎧 Listen to our podcast: https://pod.co/podcastlive/how-hot-cold-therapy-works