A to Z of Therapies
Hot & Cold
February 27th, 2008
Today it's quite common for us to suffer nagging ache and pains in our muscles and joints. Whether its acute pain (sudden or recent injury) or chronic pain (long term pain), therapies such as heat or cold treatments can offer much needed relief so we can get back to what we love most . Enjoying life!
Heat and ice are the two most common types of passive, non-invasive therapies.
Cold Therapy has been traditionally used for immediate treatment of sprains, strains, fractures and other inflammatory conditions. This particular therapy slows down the blood flow to an injury, which cuts down the swelling and pain.
Heat Therapy opens our blood vessels, which increases blood flow and delivers much needed oxygen and nutrients to the targeted tissue. The warmth decreases muscle spasm, relaxes the tense muscles, relieves the pain and may increase range of motion.
Heat treatments include hot towels, hot baths, saunas, spas, electric blankets wraps, heat pads and wraps filled with natural grains or gels, hot water bottles and infra-red heat lamps. Cold treatments include ice, cold towels, cold gel packs, ice packs and ice massage.
A to Z of Therapies
When Behind the Wheel this Holiday Weekend, Decide to Drive, September 2nd, 2011
