Features
Cold treatment
During the first 48 hours after an acute injury, the application of cold is often used to control swelling, which in turn helps reduce pain. Cold treatments may also be used for chronic conditions, such as overuse injuries in athletes, to minimize the inflammatory response after physical activity.
Research has shown that early use of cooling therapy, combined with compression, is an effective treatment for a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal pain and injury, including knee ligament damage; ankle and wrist sprains; and elbow and shoulder injury. By decreasing blood flow and slowing metabolism, cooling and compression therapy may limit hemorrhage and cell death associated with tissue trauma, while also accelerating recovery and the return to a normal range of motion.
Heat treatment
Whereas cold treatments are prescribed after injury or exercise, heat is applied to prepare injured muscles and joints prior to activity. Heat helps to relax and loosen tissues, reducing soreness, as well as stimulate blood flow to the affected area. Overuse injuries in athletes are often treated with heat therapy to prepare the limb and reduce the chance of further damage.
Heat treatment is also widely used to improve the range of joint motion. However proper temperature control is important. Improper heating can negate any therapeutic benefits by over-stimulating blood flow to the treatment area, which may induce swelling and reduce mobility. Excessive heat can also result in tissue or nerve damage
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