Frequently asked questions about Hot and Cold Therapy:
# What do you do when you are injured ?
For all first aid and acute injuries, you want to Protect, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, and Support. There is simple acronym you can remember when you are hurt or are in pain: R.I.C.E. is the key to understand the four basic methods of speeding injury recovery:
Rest: The injured body part should be immobilized (kept stationary) for 3 to 6 days. This decreases internal bleeding and swelling to prevent the injury from becoming worse
Ice: This is the best method for soft-tissue injuries. It aids in reducing swelling, bleeding, spasms and pain. Apply within 24 hours of injury, using the 20-50 rule of 20 minutes on, 50 minutes off. With our Nature Creation pack™, you can both ice and heat. To activate, you simply chill in the freezer or heat in the microwave. Nature Creation also feature a soft “frost free” surface that protects your skin and non-toxic gel that’s biodegradable.
Compression: For a severe injury, immediate compression (pressure) is important to decrease bleeding and keep fluids from pooling in the area. Compression should be continued throughout the day and removed at night. The adjustable strapping on Nature Creation product makes it easy to ice and compress simultaneously.
Elevation: Elevating the injured area above the heart helps reduce internal bleeding and swelling.
# When should you use ice?
Cold therapy, or "Cryotherapy" should be applied within 72 hours following any type of acute injuries such as a knee sprain or an ankle sprain. get relief from muscle tension and soreness as well.
# How should ice therapy be used ?
To use cold therapy, alternate 20 minutes of ice therapy with a 20 minute break. Repeat this process 3-4 times daily. It is a good idea to wrap you cold pack in a towel, to prevent frost bite.
# What does Cold Accomplish ?
Cold Therapy produces vaso constriction, which slows circulation decreasing inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm, and pain. When you use cold therapy, you do this for less than 15 minutes. The effect of cold is known to last longer than heat. Cold therapy should never be applied directly to the skin. A barrier, such as a towel, should be placed between the cold pack and the skin's surface to prevent skin and nerve damage. If your ice pack gets punctured, throw it out immediately as the chemical agent/gel will burn skin.
# What conditions are treated with ice ?
* Sprains (ex Knee sprains)
* Strains
* Contusions
* Dislocation
* Subluxations
* Hematoma (acute)
* Bursitis
* Tendinitis
* Post Surgery
* Myocardial disorders- muscle spasm, muscle tension, muscle soreness.
# What are the contraindications to cryotherapy ? When Should Cold Therapy not be used?
* Frostbite/Chilblains (mild frost bite; no tissue destruction)
* Decreased or increased sensation
* High blood pressure/ circulatory problems
# What does heat therapy accomplish?
Heat therapy or Moist Heat should be used for chronic conditions such as muscle discomfort and stiffness. It promotes vasodilation or drawing blood into the tissues where it is needed. This increased blood flow delivers needed oxygen and nutrients, and removes cell wastes. The warmth decreases muscle spasm, relaxes tense muscles, relieves pain, and can increase range of motion. Superficial heat is available in many forms including hot and moist compresses, dry or moist heating pads, hydrotherapy, and commercial chemical/gel packs. Hot packs in any form should always be wrapped in a thick towel to prevent burns. Any type of puncture in the hot pack should be immediately discarded, as the chemical agent/gel will burn skin.
# How should you use hot therapy?
The best way to apply moist heat is to alternate 20 minutes of heat therapy with a 20 minutes break. Repeat this process for 3-4 times daily until stiffness and soreness decreases. It is important when using heat therapeutically, to always have enough barrier between the skin surface and the heat pack.
# What the contraindications for using using Heat Therapy ? When should you not use Heat?
* Decreased sensation
* Diabetes Mellitus
* Infection
* Inflammation / Swelling/ Edema
* Encapsulated or enclosed infections
* Metallic implants
* Growth centers
* Moist dressings
* Heart conditions (changes of pulse or pressure)
