Hot and Cold Therapy Buyer's Guide

Hot and Cold Therapy is an effective way to treat injuries both acute and chronic in nature. Here at Physioroom we offer products to make both Hot and Cold therapy accessible and easy to administer whatever the environment.

The use of Hot or Cold therapy depends on the injury and when it has occurred. Immediately following an injury, in the acute stage (2-5 days) ice is indicated in order to constrict the blood vessels and reduce the blood flow to the injury site and reduce pain. Ice can be administered using traditional ice bags, gels or sprays or if away from the home instant ice packs are convenient to apply immediate cold therapy to the site of injury. Injuries such as ankle sprains, ligament damage, torn muscles or bruises from a fall or collision can all hugely benefit from applying ice.

In the later stages of injury (1 week and beyond) heat can be beneficial. Once the inflammation has settled pain can often develop into stiffness and heat can help ease the tightness felt in muscles post injury and help to regain their range of movement. For chronic injuries that manifest as stiff muscles or joints or for sufferers of Osteoarthritis heat can increase the extensibility of collagen tissues, reducing stiffness and making movement less painful. Heat can also be beneficial in treating muscle spasms and promote healing in the sub-acute phases of injury by increasing the blood flow and therefore Oxygen and nutrients to the injury site. Heat can also aid the removal of long standing swelling, for example after the removal of a plaster cast swelling may still be present and heat can help mobilise and facilitate drainage.

Ice Packs and Wraps

Ice therapy (also known as cryotherapy or cold therapy) is essential in the treatment of injuries such as muscle strains, ligament sprains or swelling and bruising as a result of a fall or impact. Ice therapy is used in the early (acute) stage of an injury to reduce blood flow to the site of injury and relieve pain, prevent swelling, cool tissue temperature and prevent further tissue damage. Reusable ice packs and wraps, cold therapy packs and instant ice packs can all be used to deliver ice therapy. Ice helps to control pain and swelling effectively and it is most beneficial to apply immediately after an injury. When you suffer an injury away from your home, where conventional ice packs are not practical, single-use Instant Ice Packs are the ideal treatment. Instant ice packs are activated by squeezing or twisting the pack to mix the chemicals contained inside, which produces an instant cooling effect. In the home, an ice wrap (a wheat-filled fabric bag) or an ice bag can be stored in the freezer to deliver ice therapy for the immediate relief of muscle injuries, joint injury, sprains and bruises. However, the most effective cold therapy is delivered by patented systems that incorporate an elevated tank of ice cooled water that flows down to the injury for a period of up to six hours. These continuous cooling devices are supplied with cuffs or sleeves that are designed to fit specific joints or muscles in order to deliver compression and cooling quickly and efficiently to an injured area. Ice Packs and Wraps Product Range

Hot Packs and Wraps

Heat therapy (also known as thermotherapy) is used in the treatment of injuries such as tight and stiff muscles, muscle strains or tears and ligament sprains. Heat is used in the sub-acute to chronic stages of an injury to promote blood flow to the injury site and increase the circulation and pliability of the tissues. Reusable hot packs and wraps and instant hot packs can all be used to deliver heat therapy. Heat helps to control pain and reduce stiffness and it is most beneficial to apply in the weeks following injury, making muscle fibres more pliable to return to full range of movement. If you have returned to work or sport and require some extra relief throughout the day, single-use Instant Hot Packs are the ideal treatment. Instant hot packs are activated by squeezing or twisting the pack to mix the chemicals contained inside, which produces an instant heat effect. In the home, a hot wrap (a wheat-filled fabric bag) can be used to warm tissues and provide pain relief from conditions such as stiff necks, Osteoarthritis or general aching after a long day at work. Hot packs are convenient to use and come in different sizes depending on the area to be treated, they can be used alongside joint supports and some of our knee and back supports include a hot pack for dual use and added relief.