Heat pack or ice pack? That is the question!
Benefits of Heat and Cold Therapy
One of the questions that commonly is asked is whether to use heat or cold.
On a simple level, heat improves blood flow and is good for stiffness and chronic pain, whereas cold is good for inflammation and is often helpful in acute pain.
Everyone is different when they experience pain, so if you have chronic pain but you prefer an ice pack, it is important to use the pain relief that works for you.
Risks: if you have medical conditions that affect your sensation (ability to feel the heat or cold) or circulation it is important to monitor your skin to avoid burns on your skin from heat packs and ice packs. Additionally, if you have an open wounds in the area you need to be careful that the skin in the area is not becoming infected.
It is a good idea to wrap a small towel around the area to protect the skin to reduce the risk of burns.
Heat therapy: Cold therapy:
Heat packs Ice packs
Warm showers Bucket of cold water (eg ankle)
Heat creams Ice bath
Ice spray