Hot & Cold therapy types of noninvasive and nonaddictive pain relief therapy. If you are suffering from instant pain, ankle and leg pain, then you can apply hot water therapy treatment. Use hot and cold therapy treatment in Muscle pain and tenderness pain. For more details visit our website www.med-fit.co.uk

2.  Heat and cold are the two most common types of noninvasive and nonaddictive
pain-relief therapies for muscle and joint pain. Which one you use depends on whether
the pain is new or recurring.
In general, a new injury will cause
inflammation and possibly swelling. Ice will
decrease the blood flow to the injury, thereby
decreasing inflammation and swelling. Pain
that recurs can be treated with heat, which will
bring blood to the area and promote healing.
The following information can help you learn when and how to use temperature-
related therapies.

4. What does heat therapy do?
Heat opens up blood vessels, which increases blood flow and supplies oxygen and
nutrients to reduce pain in joints and relax sore muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The
warmth also decreases muscle spasms and can increase range of motion. Applying
superficial heat to your body can improve the flexibility of tendons and ligaments,
reduce muscle spasms, and alleviate pain.

5. How is it applied?
Sources of heat can supply either dry or moist warmth. Dry heat sources may dry the
skin. Moist heat may penetrate better. Heat can be applied by an electric or
microwavable heating pad, hot water bottle, gel packs, or hot water baths. The heat
should be warm, not too hot, and should be maintained at a consistent temperature, if
possible. Ask your doctor or physical therapist which heat source would be best for
you.

6. When do you use it?
Apply heat if you have stiff joints or chronic muscle and joint pain.

7. How can I use it safely?
Don’t apply it directly to skin. Instead, wrap the hot device in a thin towel.
Here are other tips:
Don’t apply heat for longer than 20 minutes, unless your doctor or physical therapist
recommends longer.
Don’t use heat if there’s swelling. Use cold first, then heat.
Don’t use heat if you have poor circulation or diabetes.
Don’t use heat on an open wound or stitches.
Don’t lie down on a heating pad; you could fall asleep and burn your skin.

8. What does cold therapy do?
Cold slows down blood flow to an injury, thereby reducing pain and
swelling. Cold therapy slows circulation, reducing inflammation, muscle
spasm, and pain. It should be used if the area is swollen or bruised.

9. How is it applied?
Cold is applied by an ice or gel pack.

10. When do you use it?
Any cold treatment should be used for 24 to 48 hours after an injury. Cold therapy
is good for sprains, strains, bumps, and bruises that may occur in sports or lifting.
Apply cold packs or ice bags to injured areas for no more than 20 minutes at a time,
removing the cold for 10 minutes and reapplying it again.

11. How can I use it safely?
Don’t apply it for longer than 20 minutes. Also, wrap ice or
ice packs in a thin towel before applying.
If in doubt as to whether to apply heat or cold to an
injury, call your health care provider’s office.

12. Med-Fit UK
Units C, D and E 2nd Floor
Albert Mill, Stockport,
Manchester, SK6 5HN
+44 0161 427 4851
http://www.med-fit.co.uk
sales@thetenscompany.co.uk