| "body"> | | | | cold dulls nerve activity thereby inhibiting pain. For |
| When treating an injury such as a pulled muscle or | | | | inflammation, cold constricts blood vessels which |
| sprained ankle, hot or cold therapy is often utilized. | | | | stop fluid from traveling to the injury where |
| When using this type of therapy on an injury, | | | | swelling occurs and permits fluid drainage. This |
| many people are often unsure on which type of | | | | allows for a reduction in swelling. Cold reduces |
| therapy they should use. The following outlines | | | | muscle spasms and tightens muscles so they |
| when to use either hot or cold therapy. | | | | cannot stretch and extend which allows for |
| Hot Therapy | | | | healing. |
| One should apply heat on an injured area when | | | | Cold therapy is beneficial for immediate injuries as |
| there is no inflammation. Heat therapy is typically | | | | it reduces both pain and swelling. It is beneficial for |
| used for such conditions as sore and stiff muscles | | | | treating lower back pain. Ice wrapped in a towel |
| as well as joint pain. The heat relaxes muscles and | | | | and cold packs are often used for about 10 |
| improves blood circulation. Experts believe the | | | | minutes at a time. Some people will use a bag of |
| heat releases endorphins which inhibits pain signals | | | | ice or frozen vegetables such as peas. Cold |
| to the brain. The effect of the heat causes the | | | | therapy is also beneficial for chronic pain injuries. It |
| blood vessels to expand allowing the blood which | | | | should not be used before exercise because it |
| carries oxygen and nutrients to circulate and | | | | tightens muscles making them less flexible. |
| reach the injured area. The boost in circulation | | | | When one sustains an injury due to such activities |
| allows excess fluid and waste to be carried away | | | | as heavy lifting, exercise, sports, or another |
| from the area allowing for healing to take place. | | | | activity that involves an intensive use of the |
| Heat therapy is often used before exercise or | | | | muscles and ligaments, hot and cold therapy is an |
| participating in sports so the muscles will be | | | | effective treatment for the injury. These injuries |
| relaxed and more flexible. Heat is usually applied | | | | are quite common. The type of treatment you |
| for about 20 minutes. A hot wet towel, hot pack, | | | | use will depend on the type of injury you receive. |
| and heating pad are normally used in heat therapy. | | | | It is important to remember that an injury can be |
| Heat therapy is popular for use on back injuries. It | | | | serious so it is vital that you see a doctor if the |
| should not be used on sprained ankles and | | | | injury gets worse. |
| inflamed joints and muscles. The suitable | | | | Many experts recommend seeing a doctor if the |
| temperature for heat therapy is about 104 to 113 | | | | injury does not improve within 48 hours. Whether |
| degrees Fahrenheit. | | | | you use hot or cold therapy, it is essential to use |
| Cold Therapy | | | | the proper temperature and length of time for |
| Cold therapy is used for reducing pain, | | | | the most effective results. |
| inflammation, and slowing metabolic action. The | | | | |