We keep getting asked what should I use for a sports injury,hot or cold therapy?
The simple answer is:
Cold
If the injury is a swelling use
cold.
Cold therapy is the best immediate treatment for acute injuries
because it reduces swelling and pain. Ice is a vaso-constrictor (it
causes the blood vessels to narrow) and it limits internal bleeding at
the injury site.
Hot
If it is an old injury aches and pains use
hot/warm
here is our number one
heating pad that can be use hot or cold
Heat is generally used for chronic injuries or injuries that have no
inflammation or swelling. Sore, stiff, nagging muscle or joint pain is
ideal for the use of heat therapy. Athletes with chronic pain or
injuries may use heat therapy
before exercise to increase the
elasticity of joint connective tissues and to stimulate blood flow. Heat
can also help relax tight muscles or muscle spasms.