Hot & Cold Therapy

Hot & Cold Therapy
  • 3M Hot / Cold Therapy Pack 3M

    3M

    3M Hot or Cold Therapy Pack, Reusable Pain Relief, 4 in x 10 in

    For fast pain relief at home A soft, gel-filled pillow that chills in your freezer to an ice-cold temperature A convenient way to apply cold first aid Use for: minor bumps, bruises, muscle aches, strains, sprains, tension headaches, minor burns, scrapes,...

    As low as $20.08
  • McKesson Ice Bag McKesson Brand

    McKesson

    McKesson Disposable Ice Pack with Ties, Fabric Ice Bag, 7 in x 10 in

    Reusable ice bag: Just fill and apply where needed to reduce pain and swelling.Designed for ease of use Wide mouth for easy loading Soft, extra-long ties assist in securing ice pack to body Advanced moisture-wicking cover Removable inner bladder:...

    As low as $21.76
  • McKesson Hot / Cold Pack McKesson Brand

    McKesson

    McKesson Hot and Cold Compress Pack - Reusable Therapeutic Relief

    For therapeutic relief of sore and stiff joints, muscle tension, cramps, bruises, swelling, muscle spasm and pain Designed to provide hot or cold therapy Nontoxic gel design can be brought to preferred temperature through microwaving or freezing Conforms...

    As low as $32.50
  • McKesson Hot Pack McKesson Brand

    McKesson

    McKesson Disposable Instant Hot Compress

    Designed to provide immediate hot therapy.Wrap in your own cloth before using Instant chemical activation Not made with natural rubber latex

    As low as $23.99
  • McKesson Hot Pack McKesson Brand

    McKesson

    McKesson Deluxe Disposable Instant Hot Compress

    Deluxe instant hot compress designed to provide immediate hot therapy.Conforms to body contours to help relieve pain and reduce swelling Stays hot for approximately 20 minutes after activation

    As low as $48.11
  • TheraBath Unscented Paraffin Wax Beads Fabrication Enterprises 11-1199

    TheraBath

    Therabath Paraffin Wax Beads Refill, Unscented - 1 lb

    Six unscented 1 lb. paraffin bags Therabath Professional Paraffin Wax remains residue-free Paraffin is soft and pliable which makes it easy to clean-up Wax melts quickly Pliable wax exercises the hand for a more intense therapy Suitable for use in all...

    As low as $16.59
  • TheraBath Wintergreen Paraffin Wax Beads Fabrication Enterprises 11-1197

    TheraBath

    Therabath Paraffin Wax Beads Refill, Wintergreen Scent - 1 lb

    High quality paraffin with excellent melting characteristics, moistness and feel. Therabath refills are residue free, pliable and specially blended for softness, ease of application and ease of removal.Therabath paraffin wax is the chosen wax by more...

    As low as $16.56
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.