Here are some of the basic guidelines for hot and cold treatment.

Heat and ice are the two most common types of passive, noninvasive, and nonaddictive therapies. They should always be used with caution. It is a good idea to seek the advice of a health care professional prior to the use of either therapy.

Hot Packs and Heat Therapy:

Heat therapy causes vasodilation: drawing blood into the target tissues. 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. The application of heat generally is best after the first 72 hours following an injury.

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 toweling to prevent burns.

Cold Packs and Cold Therapy (Cryotherapy):

Cold therapy produces vasoconstriction, which slows circulation reducing inflammation, muscle spasm, and pain. Superficial cold is available in many forms including a variety of commercial cold packs, ice cubes, iced towels/compresses, bags of frozen vegetables, and forms of hydrotherapy. The duration of cold therapy is less than heat therapy; usually less than 15 minutes. The effect of cold is known to last longer than heat. Its application is generally best for the first 72 hours after an injury.

Cold or ice should never be applied directly to the skin. A barrier, such as toweling should be placed between the cold agent and the skin's surface to prevent skin and nerve damage. Punctured commercial cold packs as well as commercial heat packs should be immediately discarded, as the chemical agent|gel in either pack will damage the skin.

Dr. Peter Lorentzen

Alaska Chiropractic and Therapy