What is Cold Therapy Treatment?

The body's common areas for Cold Therapy treatment include the shoulder, upper back, and lower back. The treatment decreases the swelling in any of the body's joints or muscles. Cold Therapy can also work as a preventative technique to effectively reduce or eliminate swelling in a joint or muscles right after an injury or exercise. By exposing an afflicted part of the body to a Cold Therapy treatment, the patient experiences decreased blood flow and internal fluids to the affected area. The result effectively reduces inflammation and pain across the area. Best practice for using ice packs include 15 minutes applied, with a thin layer between the cold pack and the skin, followed by 15 minutes resting, with no ice pack applied.

What is Heat Therapy Treatment?

Heat Therapy is a treatment used to help relieve pain and muscle stiffness. Heat Therapy is commonly used to reduce long-lasting or chronic pain. There are many forms of Heat Therapy, including moist or dry heat therapy. Heat Therapy causes blood vessels in the treated areas to dilate or open wider. As a result, blood flow to the area increased. Sore, stiff muscles may relax and become more flexible. The increased blood flow may promote healing. Your treatment specialist can provide heat therapy alone or in conjunction with other treatments. You may be provided with a treatment schedule and specific instructions to use at home. A heat pack or heating pad should be covered with a protective barrier, such as a towel, and not directly contact your skin. You may repeat heat treatments as instructed by your chiropractor, massage therapist, or physical therapist.