Hot & Cold Therapy

Hot & Cold Therapy
  • Dynarex Instant Hot Pack Dynarex 4516

    Dynarex

    Dynarex Disposable Instant Hot Pack 5 x 9" 24 per Case

    Package Count: 24. When you squeeze this pack, magnesium sulphate dissolves into water, causing the magnesium sulfate to release a large amount of heat (up to 122° F). Dynarex's instant hot pack provides soothing warmth which really helps neck pain,...

    $34.88
  • Thermasonic Gel Warmer Parker Labs 82-03

    Thermasonic

    Thermasonic Gel Warmer 5.2 X 8.5 X 9.5 Inch

    Gel warmers rapidly heat ultrasound gel and consistently monitor temperature. Durable construction, suitable for wall mounting or countertop use, and each unit comes with a two-year warranty.Powerful heating element uniformly heats bottles of gel...

    $226.86
  • Cardinal Health Ice Bag Cardinal 11400-300

    Cardinal Health

    Cardinal Health Reusable 6.5 x 14" Ice Bag

    Cardinal Healthâ„¢ general purpose ice bags have three-layer construction, including a soft outer covering that is soothing against injured tissue. Fill with your own ice and this ice bag's absorbent middle layer will wick away moisture and remain...

    Starting at $10.77
  • Cardinal Health Instant Cold Pack Cardinal 102

    Cardinal Health

    Cardinal Health Disposable 7 x 6.5" Instant Cold Pack 16 per Case

    Package Count: 16. Instant cold pack contains 30 – 60% (by weight) ammonium nitrate and 40 – 70% (by weight) water. Calcium ammonium nitrate and water combine when you squeeze the Cardinal Health instant pack so it becomes cold within a matter of...

    $24.19
  • McKesson Instant Cold Pack McKesson Medical Surgical 97-02

    McKesson

    McKesson Disposable Instant Cold Pack - Case of 24

    Package Count: 24. Calcium ammonium nitrate and water combine when you squeeze the pack so it becomes cold within a matter of seconds. Apply cold pack for relief of pain and swelling caused by sprains, strains, contusions, minor burns, toothaches,...

    $20.49
  • Cypress Instant Hot Pack McKesson Medical Surgical 97-06

    Cypress

    Cypress Disposable Instant Hot Pack 5 x 7" 24 per Case

    Package Count: 24. This Cypress instant hot compress is used to treat minor bumps, bruises, muscle aches, strains, and other minor injuries. This hot pack quickly activates with a squeeze and quick shake for therapeutic heat treatment. Made of plastic,...

    $23.04
  • InstaKool Instant Cold Pack Nortech Lab Corporation TKINST4680

    InstaKool

    InstaKool Disposable 5 x 6" Instant Cold Pack

    Many injuries can be helped with the application of cold. InstaKool Instant Cold Pack delivers immediate cold therapy for first aid after an injury with no freezing required.Stays cold for up to a half-hour Works due to Carbamakool™ – a proprietary...

    $9.24
  • Ice It! MaxCOMFORT System Cold Pack with Wrap Battle Creek 512

    Ice It! MaxCOMFORT System

    Ice It! MaxCOMFORT System Reusable Knee Gel 12 x 13" Cold Pack with Wrap

    Ice It MaxComfort knee therapy system has an articulated design that surrounds the entire knee for maximum therapeutic benefit. Comfortable, secure fit lets you relax or continue activities during therapy sessions. Ice It MaxComfort knee therapy system...

    $40.65
Hot and Cold Therapy Treatments

Hot and cold therapy are two popular treatment options for injuries. However, each treatment type is different.

How Hot and Cold Treatments Work

Today, hot and cold treatments are common because they work well for many injuries. However, always consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment for your situation.

Hot Treatment

Hot packs increase the flow of blood to the area where it's applied. So, it's a good option for relieving:

  • Arthritis and osteoarthritis pain and stiffness
  • Muscle aches and pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Sprains and strains
  • Stiffness

  • Cold Treatment

    Cold treatment decreases the flow of blood to the area it's applied. It's a good option for reducing or relieving:

  • Arthritis and osteoarthritis inflammation
  • Inflammation
  • Muscular aches and pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Sprains and strains

  • Both treatments work for many of the same injuries and are sometimes alternated to get the most relief. Unless instructed by a healthcare professional, you shouldn't use either hot or cold treatments for over 20 minutes at a time.

    Hot Therapy Treatment Options

    The most common heat therapy treatments are hot packs, paraffin bath therapy, and ultrasound therapy.

    Paraffin Baths

    Paraffin baths offer a great hot treatment option to relieve pain and stiffness. They are accommodating for those living with osteoarthritis. Paraffin wax is available in wintergreen scent or unscented varieties. Always follow unit instructions and safety precautions, and about four pounds of wax are standard.

    Hot Packs

    Hot packs improve blood flow and circulation to loosen stiff muscles and relieve pain. Hot packs like McKesson disposable compresses are a great on-the-go option and can stay hot for up to 20 minutes from the time you activate it.

    They are made of a latex-free soft cloth and come in a 24-count package and two varieties:

  • Disposable
  • Reusable

  • Reusable hot packs are often dual purpose as they can also serve as a cold pack. For example, gel pillows either freeze for cold treatment or microwave for heat treatment. The benefit of a dual-purpose hot and cold pack means you always have what you need. All you need to do is freeze it for cold therapy or microwave it for heat therapy. However, follow directions carefully and always wrap the hot-cold pack in a soft cloth or towel to prevent injury.

    Cold Therapy Treatment Options

    Cold packs constrict the blood vessels where you apply them, which is especially helpful during the first 72 hours of an injury.

    There are two types of cold packs:

  • Disposable
  • Reusable

  • Disposable cold packs are made of plastic, ammonia nitrate, and water. They come in 16- to 50-count packages. The size of these cold packs also ranges from 4.7 x 5.5 inches to 6 x 9 inches. To use them, gently squeeze them to pop the internal liner, then shake the contents to activate the cold pack. As with the hot packs, it's best to use them with a soft cloth and use them for only 20 minutes at a time unless otherwise directed by your provider.

    Some disposable cold packs, like O&M Halyard cooling packs, are made of patented Stay-Dry™ material and contain a pouch for ice insertion.

    Reusable cold packs are made of fabric or knit material for added comfort and to combat moisture condensation. These packs have pockets where you can add ice. They come in three sizes:

  • Small eye packs
  • Medium ice bags
  • Large ice bags

  • Remember, always check with your doctor for guidance on determining the best hot or cold treatment for your situation.