If you are experiencing pain, you may be unsure if cold or heat therapy is best for pain relief. Whether you’re aching due to a sports injury or a chronic condition, it’s crucial to manage pain to reduce discomfort and swelling, as well as promote healing. Consult the guide below to help you determine which type of therapy is best for your aches.

What Are the Benefits of Cold Therapy?

Cold therapy refers to using a cold pack for pain relief. This type of therapy works by reducing blood flow to the region where it is applied, which reduces swelling and inflammation. It can also lower your sensitivity by numbing the nerves that send pain signals to your brain. 

Different types of cold therapy include ice packs, cold compresses (towels or rags soaked in cold water and applied to the painful region), ice baths, and coolant sprays. Many people fill a bag with ice and apply it to the affected area as well.

What Is Heat Therapy?

Heat therapy works by relaxing muscles and alleviating stiffness. It also promotes blood flow and circulation to the painful region, which can help with certain types of pain by diluting the buildup of lactic acid. 

Different types of heat therapy include heating pads, heat compresses, hot water bottles, hot baths, and medications that heat up when applied to the skin, such as ointments. This type of therapy can benefit different areas, including feet, wrists, the lower back, and even the neck and shoulders.

Which Type of Therapy Should You Use?

Cold therapy is best used for injuries like sprains and strains, osteoarthritis, gout, and discomfort that includes swelling and inflammation. Cold therapy can also provide pain relief for those who suffer from headaches or migraines. You should not use cold therapy for cramps, on open or wounded skin, or if you are hypersensitive to cold, as this therapy could hinder healing.

Heat therapy is best used to soothe and relax muscles. It can be helpful for osteoarthritis, tendonitis, warming up before activity, and relieving spasms relating to neck or back injuries. Heat therapy should not be used for burns, infections, or fresh injuries, as it could escalate pain. You should not apply heat therapy to the skin if it is inflamed, hot, numb, or if you are sensitive to heat. 

If you’re looking for pain relief through hot or cold therapy, turn to Get Well Family Chiropractic in St. Louis, MO. Their chiropractors are dedicated to helping you attain better health by focusing on your spine. They apply hot or cold therapy to increase healing and movement. For more detailed information about their services, visit them online or call (314) 524-2580 to schedule an appointment.