Hot & Cold Therapy Products
If you play sports or are active in any way, there is a chance that at some point you will become injured. Whether you sprain, strain, twist, dislocate, or even if you have a chronic injury, heat  and cold therapy (a.k.a. cryotherapy) will play a large part in soothing pain, reducing swelling and helping you heal faster. As most athletes and sport enthusiasts know, there is a brilliant formula essential to treating injuries known as RICE, or "Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation."
Heat or Cold?
Learn it and live by it. Here's how to choose between using heat or cold to treat your body.
- Cold
- Use it immediately after exercising or incurring an injury. The cold temperature restricts the flow of blood to a swollen or inflamed joint, muscle, ligament or tendon and helps numb the area. Not only will this provide temporary pain relief, but it will also protect the tissues from becoming damaged.
- Ice for 10 to 15 minutes per session as often as needed until the swelling has gone down or after the pain has subsided. Be sure to wait enough time between sessions for the skin to warm. Each time the area heats up again, blood flow is increased and helps speed up recovery.
- Be very careful not to apply cold directly to the skin as it can create a cold-burn on the skin. If you just want to use a bag of ice on an injury, be sure to cover it with a towel or piece of clothing.
- Note that cold therapy can also be used after exercising on chronic injuries that tend to flare up after an intense workout.
- Heat
- Heat therapy is commonly used on chronic or acute injuries that result in stiffness, soreness or pain. Applied heat helps increase blood flow to an area and release tension and stress. It's a great method for treating low back pain, cramps or a pinched nerve.
- Heat therapy can also be used for warming up the muscles or joints before a workout, a great idea for those with a chronic injury. Never use heat therapy after a workout though.
- As with cold therapy, be sure not to apply heat directly to the skin since it can cause a superficial burn.
Types and Styles
While a simple hot bath or bag of ice can be an inexpensive method of soothing muscle aches and pains, there are many therapy products available that can make treating your body more convenient. Multipurpose hot/cold packs, which can be heated or chilled depending on your needs are both affordable and versatile and tend to be one of the first choices by consumers. For everyone who wants something extra, check out the selection of products below.
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Hot Bottles
These heavy-duty rubberized bottles are filled and heated to provide heat for a short period of time. Cost varies from as little as $5 to as much as $40. Look for one that comes with a cloth cover or pouch to enhance the experience. |
Heating Pad
Electronic heating pads provide long lasting heat therapy that takes very little time to warm up. They are big and versatile and can be used on all body parts. Prices range from $15 to $50. |
Heat Patch
Heat patches are great for when you're on the go. Simply stick them onto the affected area and you get a quick dose of heat for instant healing. Fairly inexpensive, but they will cost more to use in the long run. |
Heat Wraps
They come in all shapes and sizes to suit various body parts. They're great for chronic pain. Most can also be used as cold wraps. Prices run from $30 to $60. |
Other
Infrared heat, paraffin wax baths and hydrotherapy are other superficial methods of heat therapy. For deep heat therapy, ultrasound is available, a professional treatment for severe injuries. |
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Analgesic Rub
These topical pain relievers act to numb an area temporarily. They may help for minor muscle aches. Most are inexpensive. |
Hot/Cold Compress
Hot/Cold compresses are flexible, versatile and inexpensive. They are a great tool to keep in the freezer just in case. |
Gel Cold Compress
These molded compresses are great if you have chronic pain. They are usually more expensive but are very comfortable to use and provide long lasting cold. |
Instant Cold Packs
These one-time use instant cold packs are ideal for the first aid kit, whether at home or in a car or backpack. They are inexpensive, but not meant for everyday use. |
Video Review
Major Manufacturers
There are several brands to choose from and several designs, most of which are meant to multitask (so you can ice any body part). Here are some trusted brands:
Also check out Mueller Hot/Cold Wraps. These work really well. The elastic strap let's you use it on lots of different body parts, from your back and shoulders to a pulled hamstring. It will even hold on your knee well enough that you can walk around without it falling off. You want the "small" one -- the new "large" one doesn't have the awesome strap that makes these so nice.
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