Hot & Cold Therapy

Hot & Cold Therapy
  • Hothands-2 Instant Hot Pack Mediheat HH-2

    Hothands-2

    Hothands-2 Disposable Hand Instant Hot Pack 2.25 x 4" 40 per Box

    Package Count: 40. Hothands-2 single-use air-activated heat packs provide everyday warmth. They are marvelous for keeping your hands warm when the temperature outside plunges.Produces heat up to 130° F Individually sealed in airtight package to...

    $29.79
  • InstaKool Instant Cold Pack Nortech Lab Corp 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
  • Dynarex Non-Toxic Instant Cold Pack Dynarex 4518

    Dynarex Non-Toxic

    Dynarex Non-Toxic Disposable 5 x 9" Instant Cold Pack

    Dynarex instant cold packs are flexible and conform to the contours of the body, activating with a single squeeze. Convenient, single-use packs provide instant cold therapy for minor injuries, making them ideal for first aid kits, sporting events,...

    $9.53
  • Secure-All Ice Bag O&M Halyard Inc 33600

    Halyard

    Secure-All Reusable 6 x 14" Ice Bag

    Stay-Dry ice bags are made with a patented three-layer construction to help reduce wetness due to condensation.Soft outer cover with moisture absorbing middle layer Plastic clip closure is completely enclosed Conformable opening holds shape while ice is...

    $14.06
  • Dynarex Instant Cold Pack Dynarex 4511

    Dynarex

    Dynarex Disposable 4 x 5" Instant Cold Pack 24 per Case

    Package Count: 24. Dynarex instant cold pack requires no refrigeration – just a single, simple squeeze activates the pack to provide immediate relief. Flexible construction conforms to body contours to provide maximum coverage. Disposable, single-use...

    $21.55
  • Dynarex Non-Toxic Instant Cold Pack Dynarex 4518

    Dynarex Non-Toxic

    Dynarex Non-Toxic Disposable 5 x 9" Instant Cold Pack 24 per Case

    Package Count: 24. Dynarex instant cold packs are flexible and conform to the contours of the body, activating with a single squeeze. Convenient, single-use packs provide instant cold therapy for minor injuries, making them ideal for first aid kits,...

    $34.03
  • McKesson Deluxe Instant Cold Pack McKesson Brand 59-57C

    McKesson

    McKesson Instant Cold Pack - Disposable, Immediate Cold Therapy

    Get fast, temporary relief of pain associated with an injury with the McKesson Deluxe Instant Cold Pack. Once activated, it provides immediate cold therapy to the affected area that will last up to 30 minutes. This McKesson instant cold compress has a...

    As low as $9.36
  • Cypress Instant Cold Pack McKesson Brand 97-00

    Cypress

    Cypress Disposable 5 x 7" Instant Cold Pack 50 per Case

    Package Count: 50. Introducing the Cypress instant cold compress – disposable ice pack, your trusted companion for rapid pain and swelling relief. This versatile product is designed to alleviate minor pain and discomfort caused by sprains, strains,...

    $37.20
  • McKesson Compress Cover McKesson Brand 81856

    McKesson

    McKesson Compress Cover 24 per Case

    Package Count: 24. McKesson compress covers can be used with hot or cold packs. They help protect the skin from intense temperatures radiating from hot packs or cold packs. Simply place a hot or cold pack inside the compress cover before use. The covers...

    $18.88
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.