Heat therapy works by improving circulation and blood flow to a particular area due to increased temperature. Increasing the temperature of the afflicted area even slightly can soothe discomfort and increase muscle flexibility. Heat therapy can relax and soothe muscles and heal damaged tissue.
There are two different types of heat therapy: dry heat and moist heat. Both types of heat therapy should aim for "warm" as the ideal temperature instead of "hot".
- Dry heat (or "conducted heat therapy") includes sources like heating pads, dry heating packs, and even saunas. This heat is easy to apply.
- Moist heat (or "convection heat") includes sources like steamed towels, moist heating packs, or hot baths. Moist heat may be slightly more effective as well as require less application time for the same results.
Benefits : -
Cold therapy is typically recommended for pain that is associated with swelling and inflammation. It is most often useful for painful joints, including knees, shoulders, and elbows.
Hot therapy, on the other hand, is best for areas that are affected by stiffness and tension—like sore or spasming muscles. Many find it helpful for neck, back, and shoulder pain especially, but it can also be used on other joints.
But that doesn’t mean they are mutually exclusive. You may find using them in combination with one another—using heat in the morning, and ice at night—provides the most benefit.
Hot treatment can help in cases of :
- osteoarthritis
- strains and sprains
- tendonitis, or chronic irritation and stiffness in the tendons
- warming up stiff muscles or tissue before activity
- relieving pain or spasms relating to neck or back injury, including the lower back
Applied to the neck, heat may reduce the spasms that lead to headaches.
Cold treatment can help in cases of :
- osteoarthritis
- a recent injury
- gout
- strains
- tendinitis, or irritation in the tendons following activity
A cold mask or wrap around the forehead may help reduce the pain of a migraine
For osteoarthritis, patients are advised to use an ice massage or apply a cold pad 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off.