Hot & Cold Therapy

Hot & Cold Therapy
  • Cardinal Health Ice Bag Cardinal 11900-100

    Cardinal Health

    Cardinal Health Reusable Eye 4.5 x 10" Ice Bag 15 per Box

    Package Count: 15. A cold compress can relieve symptoms such as swelling, pain and dryness caused by an eye injury or pinkeye. As cold compresses constrict blood vessels, they can also improve the appearance of dark circles and the discomfort of puffy...

    $66.17
  • Uni-Patch Hot / Cold Pack Cardinal MH73912

    Uni-Patch

    Uni-Patch Reusable Gel Hot Cold Pack 12 per Case

    Package Count: 12. Uni-Patch reusable hot/cold gel packs are durable, flexible and easy to apply.Can be used as hot therapy when motion is limited by stiffness: Heat increases blood flow to the affected area and improves range of motion Can be used as...

    $25.06
  • Cardinal Health Instant Cold Pack Cardinal 11440-900

    Cardinal Health

    Cardinal Health Disposable 6 x 9" Instant Cold Pack 16 per Case

    Package Count: 16. When tissues are damaged by an injury or by a condition such as tendonitis or bursitis, packs that are cold enough to numb the affected area will reduce pain and tenderness. Cold can also reduce swelling and inflammation. This...

    $23.99
  • Cardinal Health Insulated Hot / Cold Pack Cardinal 80104

    Cardinal Health

    Cardinal Health Insulated Reusable Gel Hot Cold Pack

    As a means of pain relief, Cardinal Health reusable gel packs radiate therapeutic warmth or numb with cold as a means of pain relief. Just microwave or place in a freezer prior to use.Effective temperature therapy One sided insulation Perfect for...

    $10.52
  • Cardinal Health Instant Infant Heel Warmer Cardinal 11460-010T

    Cardinal Health

    Cardinal Health Disposable Heel Instant Infant Heel Warmer 4 x 4"

    Cardinal Health infant heel warmers increase a baby's blood flow so healthcare workers can get a quality heel stick the first time. Just activate and it's ready to use. They require no cooling off period and have no sharp edges to harm neonate...

    $10.01
  • Jack Frost Hot / Cold Therapy Pack Cardinal

    Jack Frost

    Cardinal Health Insulated Hot and Cold Gel Pack, Reusable Pain Relief

    Cardinal Health reusable gel packs radiate therapeutic warmth or numb with cold as a means of pain relief. Just microwave or place in a freezer prior to use.Provides consistent hot or cold therapy for convenient and effective pain relief One sided...

    As low as $28.99
  • Cardinal Health Instant Cold Pack Cardinal 103B

    Cardinal Health

    Cardinal Health Disposable 6 x 5.5" Instant Cold Pack 50 per Case

    Package Count: 50. Cardinal Health instant cold packs help provide consistent cold therapy for convenient and effective pain relief.Consistent and effective cold therapy Plastic, ammonium nitrate, and water work together to quickly activate – just...

    $43.11
  • Spectra 360 Electrode Gel Parker Labs 12-08

    Spectra

    Spectra 360 Electrode Gel, Conductive - Salt-Free, Hypoallergenic

    The only salt-free and chloride-free electrically conductive gel, recommended for all electromedical procedures, except defibrillation. Salt-free characteristics make it particularly suitable for long-term applications. Spectra® 360 works by wetting the...

    As low as $11.70
  • Aquagel Lubricating Gel Parker Labs 57-20

    Aquagel

    Aquagel Lubricating Gel with Pump, Water Soluble

    Aquagel® Lubricating Gel is a clear, water-soluble, non-irritating lubricant. Compatible with natural and synthetic substances. This lubricating gel comes in a half gallon bottle with a pump for easy dispensing.Clear, water-soluble, non-irritating...

    As low as $26.64
  • Polysonic Ultrasound Lotion Parker Labs 21-28

    Polysonic

    Polysonic White Ultrasound Lotion

    Polysonic is a multi-purpose ultrasound lotion with superior coupling efficiency in a pleasing cosmetic quality base. It's recommended for ultrasound procedures in which a lotion is preferred.Multi-purpose ultrasound lotion has superior coupling...

    $39.65
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.