In addition to being a stand-alone treatment, cold therapy can also be used in tandem with hot compresses to treat muscle/joint injuries in a process called contrast therapy. The exact mechanisms are not understood, but heat is an excellent way to relieve the symptoms of non-inflammatory body pain.Ĭan hot and cold compresses provide contrast therapy? Therapeutic heat might also help relieve pain and tension, especially in knotted areas. Heat on muscles may also be called thermotherapy or therapeutic heat. Muscles may become tense due to repetitive labor, long periods spent bent over a desk or workstation, or physical exertion. Hot compresses allow application of heat to the body, which soothes and relaxes muscles. Some hot compresses may also use electrical power, via a power outlet and/or batteries in order to provide their own heat. Some hot compresses may be scented for calming or relaxing aesthetics. However, there are some types of hot or cold compress that only provide one of the two functions. Usually a product that is labelled as a hot compress is also useful as a cold compress, and vice versa. A heating pad usually is filled with a material that can be microwaved, refrigerated or frozen in order to apply the desired temperature to the neck. A hot compress is an object that relieves muscle tension, swelling, and adds comfort by being wrapped around, or placed on a part of the body. Cold packs should be applied to the affected area for 24 to 48 hours after the injury has taken place, and to avoid damaging the skin, these cold packs should only be kept on the skin for 20 minutes at a time.Ī hot compress is an Over-the-Counter (OTC) medical product eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account. Additionally, cold packs can alleviate muscle pain and spasms, as well as slowly numb the area to cut down on inflammation. These devices are invaluable for their ability to reduce bleeding in muscle tissues to control swelling and the duration of bruising. In addition to reducing swelling and pain, cold therapy can help to limit the amount of bruising by lessening blood flow to the affected area, thereby restricting internal bleeding and the overall size of the bruise ( Healthline).Ĭold packs are a means of applying cold therapy (also known as cryotherapy), a method of treating muscle or joint injuries with the direct application of ice or a frozen gel pack. A cold compress can be found in styles to suit just about any type of stress or strain injury. Many forms of cold compress may be use: anything from a traditional ice placed in plastic bags to ready-made packs placed in the freezer to devices that are designed ergonomically to fit specific body parts. Hot and cold compresses are a mainstay in countless American homes to treat both major and minor muscle/joint injuries when they arise, as they are one of the most effective means available of reducing inflammation around an injured body part. Be sure to check with your administrator to confirm if something is eligible before making a purchase. Important Reminder: FSAs, HRAs and other account types listed may not all be the same. From A to Z, items and services deemed eligible for tax-free spending with your Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) and more will be here, complete with details and requirements. Here it is - the most-comprehensive eligibility list available on the web.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |