Hot- and Cold-Therapy Considerations and Precautions

Hot and cold therapies are the two most-popular methods of treatment used as first aid for some injuries, pains or discomforts. The treatments have been used for centuries and their effectiveness is well recognized. However, whether to use hot therapy or cold therapy on a specific pain or injury is often confusing.

Purpose of Hot Therapy

Hot therapy or moist therapy is best used on chronic conditions or for persistent aches such as muscle discomforts and stiffness. Heat works by drawing blood into the targeted tissues and subsequently lets oxygen and nutrients pass through efficiently. This method also removes cell wastes in the process. The sensation caused by heat energy relaxes tense muscles, decreases muscle spasm and relieves pain, since it tends to relax the walls of blood vessels.

There are many forms of heat therapy available, including hot and moist compresses, dry or moist heating pads, hydrotherapy and commercial chemicals or gel packs. The appropriate temperature is about 104 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit and the proper duration of application is around five to 30 minutes.

To prevent your skin from burning while applying hot therapy, its best to wrap hot packs in any form with a towel before using. You should also immediately get rid of hot packs found with any punctures, as the chemical agent or gel will definitely burn your skin.

Although heat is known to reduce muscle spasms, it should not be used on sprained or strained ankles. Hot therapy should also not be applied in conditions where there is decreased sensation, diabetes mellitus, infection, inflammation/swelling, enclosed infections, metallic implants or heart issues (changes of pulse or pressure).

Purpose of Cold Therapy

Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, produces a vasoconstriction effect by slowing the circulation and decreasing inflammation, swelling and pain. Amazingly, it is also known to provide aid and reduce muscle spasm akin to hot therapy. The pain-killing effect of cold treatment is due to its ability to prevent nerve-cell activity. Most of the time, application of cold therapy reduces the pain of injuries, according to hospital studies.

Cold therapy comes in a variety of forms. These include a selection of commercial packs, ice cubes, iced towels/compresses and hydrotherapy. The treatment should generally be applied for less than 15 minutes. Cold therapy tends to provide relief for a longer period of time than heat therapy.

To prevent skin and nerve damage while using cold therapy, do not to apply cold or ice directly to your skin. Always use a barrier such as a towel between the cold agent and your skin. You should also immediately get rid of cold packs found with any punctures, as the chemical agent or gel will burn your skin.

Cold therapy should not be applied to treat frostbite/chilblains, decreased or increased sensation, high blood pressure or circulatory problems.

Important Consideration

If either therapy is applied incorrectly, instead of getting some relief you may end up with a more serious injury. For that reason, it is advisable to consult a health-care professional to get an individual assessment of which medication or treatment is appropriate to apply.