Hot & Cold Therapy

Hot & Cold Therapy
  • Sensiv Foot Massager Acutens Inc SENFC

    Sensiv

    Sensiv Foot Massager 5-1/2 X 12 X 14 Inch

    Infrared heat refers to a type of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than those of visible light. This electromagnetic radiation is felt as heat and can be used to promote healing, reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Sensiv pain relief...

    $139.33
  • Polar Ice Cold Pack with Wrap Brownmed 30036

    Polar Ice

    Polar Ice Reusable Shin 1 X 5 X 12 Inch Cold Pack with Wrap

    Use Brownmed's wrap, with cold pack, to relieve shin splints. Shin splits, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, refer to pain along the large bone in the front of the lower leg. This shin wrap is a neoprene sleeve with a Polar Ice insert...

    $28.79
  • Polar Ice Cold Pack with Wrap Brownmed 30100

    Polar Ice

    Polar Ice Reusable Hip / Shoulder 2 x 10 x 10" Cold Pack with Wrap

    Polar Ice cold wraps support two of the four essential steps of therapy: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Cryotherapy is widely believed to improve peak levels of performance and reduce post workout recovery time. Brownmed's Polar Ice wrap is a dual...

    $50.15
  • Polar Ice Cold Pack with Wrap Brownmed 30101

    Polar Ice

    Polar Ice Reusable Wrist / Elbow 10 X 16 Inch Cold Pack with Wrap

    Polar Ice cold wraps support two of the four essential steps of therapy: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Cryotherapy is widely believed to improve peak levels of performance and reduce post workout recovery time. Brownmed's Polar Ice wrap is a dual...

    $29.91
  • Polar Ice Cold Pack with Wrap Brownmed 30011

    Polar Ice

    Polar Ice Reusable Shin 12 to 14" Circumf. Cold Pack with Wrap

    Polar Ice cold wraps support two of the four essential steps of therapy: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Cryotherapy is widely believed to improve peak levels of performance and reduce post workout recovery time. Brownmed's Polar Ice wrap is a dual...

    $24.29
  • Polar Ice Hot / Cold Therapy Glove Brownmed 31600

    Polar Ice

    Polar Ice Reusable Hot / Cold Therapy Glove

    Polar Ice Hot / Cold Glove is a patented glove that offers hot or cold therapeutic relief from acute injury, arthritis, fibromyalgia, myofascial, soft tissue soreness, stiff joints and more. Heat glove in a microwave or chill in a freezer for easy...

    $30.99
  • Polar Ice Cold Pack with Wrap Brownmed 30104

    Polar Ice

    Polar Ice Reusable Knee Cold Pack with Wrap

    Polar Ice cold wraps support two of the four essential steps of therapy: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Cryotherapy is widely believed to improve peak levels of performance and reduce post workout recovery time. Brownmed's Polar Ice wrap is a dual...

    As low as $32.55
  • IMAK Eye Pillow Cold Therapy Mask Brownmed A30131

    IMAK Eye Pillow

    IMAK Eye Pillow Reusable Eye Cold Therapy Mask

    Eye Pillow is a patented product that conforms to your face and eyes, blocking out light. Breathable cotton material is comfortable to wear, and the smooth ergoBeads inside create a gentle massaging effect around your eyes. Place the eye pillow over your...

    $20.18
  • Intellinetix Vibration Therapy Mask Brownmed 7236

    Intellinetix

    Intellinetix Head Vibration Therapy Mask

    A comfortable, rechargeable device providing targeted vibration therapy that aids in pain relief from migraines, headaches and sinus pain Vibrations serve as sensory distractions, disrupting pain signals constantly traveling from your body to your brain...

    As low as $69.99
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.