Do you know when to use hot or cold for pain? For example, a lumbar sprain, hot or cold? Neck pain, hot or cold? Muscle pain, heat or ice? Here are the answers to these eternal questions.
Hot and cold have different properties, so we won't use them under the same conditions, nor will we seek the same effect from one or the other.
On the one hand, cold is analgesic and anaesthetic. It reduces local pain. Its effects are limited to the area to which it is applied. Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, slows blood circulation and reduces cellular activity.
Heat, on the other hand, has a relaxing, soothing effect. Unlike cold, which slows circulation, heat facilitates and increases blood flow. Thermotherapy, or heat therapy, relaxes muscles, increases cellular activity and promotes tissue healing.
Theapplication of cold will be effective on inflammation: after a sprain, strain or any violent shock. To apply it, simply use an ice pack or a bag of vegetables from the freezer. It's important not to apply the ice directly to the skin, to avoid irritating it.
Warmth is effective for relieving muscular tension, cramps and menstrual pain. Heat helps fight contractures and relax muscles. To apply heat, use a hot compress or hot-water bottle. As with ice, it is not advisable to apply heat directly to the skin, to avoid burning it.
If you suffer from chronic muscle pain that occurs regularly when you perform the same movement, apply heat to relax your muscles.
On the other hand, if the muscle pain is acute and has been caused by a recent shock (during sports training, for example), it may be inflammation. Cold should therefore be applied.
If you're suffering from tendonitis, the application of cold and heat in turn will be your allies. Ice to control and reduce inflammation on the spot and during the first few days. After 3 days, you can start applying heat to facilitate the healing process. And finally, torticollis. The effectiveness of applying heat to a torticollis will depend on the severity of the injury. If the contracture of the neck muscle is merely the result of poor posture during the night, the application of a hot-water bottle should relieve the pain. On the other hand, if the symptoms persist, you'll need to consult a medical professional.