Hot and cold therapy is an effective way to treat injuries on the track, field, at the office, home or school and is often used by physiotherapists in the treatment of sports injuries. Ice therapy is one of the most commonly used methods in the care of sports injuries including knocks and grazes. Similarly heat treatment is also used to ease aches, pain and stiffness.

Ice therapy can take the form of reusable ice packs, ice wraps, ice bags and advanced ice therapy treatments known as cryotherapy, where products such as the Aircast Cryo Cuff and Donjoy Arctic Flow Wrap can be used to provide hours of continuous ice therapy. Ice therapy in its various forms is a non-evasive and drug free way to relieve pain and help to reduce joint swelling.

Ice therapy is a great treatment for a sprained ankle, strained muscle, knocks or falls, and for pain following surgery. In circumstances where there is no freezer access or ice cubes, then instant ice packs are vital for the acute treatment of sprains, strains and bruises. Cold sprays such as freeze spray are also effective for pain relief of sports injuries when there are no other forms of ice therapy available.

Hot packs are available as heat packs, which are instant hot compresses and reusable gel packs that can be warmed up in the microwave to provide therapeutic heat for painful conditions such as lower back pain, healing muscle injuries, joint stiffness and arthritis. Heat therapy works by relieving pain, reducing muscle spasms and improving circulation to the injured area.