When we injure a part of the body or feel pain such as headaches, cramps or the like, we often choose to use a compress to relieve it. But do you know which wrap is right for each type of pain?
One of the most popular home solutions when someone gets some kind of injury while playing a sport is the habit of placing a hot or cold compress on the place where the injury occurred. Compresses, regardless of temperature, are applied as part of the recovery process for different types of injuries. Both work in different ways and must be used in the right situations in order to have rehabilitation in the most appropriate way possible. Through this article you will be able to understand the difference between cold compress and hot compress. In addition, you will know which times are the most appropriate to use one or the other, as well as the correct way to use them. Continue reading the article!
What are tablets and why do they help with injuries?
Before learning about the differences between hot and cold packs, it’s worth knowing why these items help in treating injuries. Compresses are materials applied directly to the skin to treat bruising, pain, swelling, inflammation, and infection. They can be made from different materials, such as cloth, gel, hot or cold water bottles, or even food. Also, in addition to a homemade solution, it is common for them to be part of medical recommendations.
What is the difference between cold and hot compress?
Now that you know more about what wraps are, it’s important to understand the differences between cold packs and ice packs. In addition to the temperature distinction, they have other contrasts with each other. Find out the main differences!
cold compress
Cold packs are recommended for people who have suffered falls, blows or joint injuries, such as an ankle sprain during a soccer match. It is important that the compress is applied in the first 48 hours after the injury, so that the recovery period takes place in the best possible way. Cold compress is used in this type of trauma because the low temperature will help treat likely broken blood vessels. When placed on the bruised site, it will cause spasms and contractions, reducing the flow of fluids to the bruised area. This causes edema, swelling, redness and bruising to be avoided.
hot compress
Warm compresses are often used for infections, especially those where there is pus formation, such as boils and styes. The high temperature of the compress will help increase blood flow, acting as an anti-inflammatory process. It will avoid the intense collection of fluids in the blood vessels, which have leaked and accumulated in the trauma region. Furthermore, the hot compress has effects on the muscles. With its heat it can generate muscle relaxation, producing an analgesic effect in cases of pain, such as stiff neck. It can still help with the assessment of joint pains, toothaches and abdominal cramps, for example.
What is the cold compress used for?
Cold packs have several uses. Understand them in detail below!
Decreased swelling
When used immediately after an injury, an ice pack can help reduce swelling at the injured site. However, depending on the severity of the bruise, the compress won’t remove all of the swelling. Therefore, it is important to follow a professional.
decrease in pain
The use of cold packs also helps reduce pain in the lesion, as it generates an analgesic effect. Thus, it makes the injured person feel less discomfort in the injured area.
Prevents bruising
Since hematomas are the accumulation of blood outside the blood vessels, the low temperature of the ice packs will cause these vessels to spasm and contract. This causes blood flow out of them to slow down.
Preserve range of motion
Using ice packs on injured joints helps preserve their range of motion, i.e. their mobility. With the low temperature it prevents the formation of edema, which would make it possible to worsen the movements of the injured joints.
What is the hot compress for?
Hot compresses also have many uses. Check out the main ones below!
Minimize bruising and swelling
Like cold packs, hot packs also help with bruising and swelling. However, hot compresses reduce those that have not been properly prevented with cold compresses.
muscle relaxation
Using hot compresses helps relax your muscles, as the high temperature dilates your blood vessels, optimizing blood circulation. This causes tension in the body to soften and muscle fatigue to reduce. Therefore, it ends up being important for pains such as stiff neck and cramps.
infectious situations
Warm compresses also help fight infection. The elevated temperature increases blood flow, causing inflammation and infections to soothe. The use of compresses is recommended, mainly, in formations with pus.
What is the ideal temperature to avoid burns?
A common doubt in people, whether they use hot or cold packs, concerns the ideal temperature. After all, it’s a known fact that even severe cold can cause burn-like lesions on the skin, but there’s no way to state the exact temperature for each wrap. However, as far as hot water is concerned, it is important not to let it heat up for a long time in order not to run the risk of using boiling water. Also, you should use a face cloth or towel to protect the place. This avoids direct skin contact, which can mitigate any negative effects. In the case of the cold compress, the temperature of a freezer or freezer will be more than sufficient. However, it is also important to wear protection at the injury site.
For which situations is the use of the compress necessary?
Using a hot or cold compress varies depending on the situation. To let you know which one to use, we’re breaking it down in detail. Cold compresses are often used:
- in muscle injuries;
- after falls;
- after blows;
- in joint injuries;
- in tendonitis;
- in twists and turns;
- in toothache;
- in migraine;
- in hemorrhoids.
Instead, the hot compress is more strategic:
- in bruises;
- in muscle pain;
- sores with pus;
- wounds with infections;
- menstrual cramps;
- in the stiff neck.
How to make cold and hot compresses?
A hot compress can be made the simplest way, which is to heat water, not to the point of scalding, and place it in a cooler bag. It is usually sold in pharmacies or retail stores. However, it is also possible to make a warm compress with a sock and some beads. For this, you can choose one type of grain, such as rice, beans, or raw oats, and fill more than half a sock. Immediately after that, close the vent and heat it for 40 seconds. At the end of this time, the pack will be ready to be used. Remember to always use a washcloth or face towel over where you will place it, so you don’t burn it. In the case of a cold pack, you can buy ready-made ones and leave them in the fridge freezer for when you need them. However, it is also possible to do this with a bag filled with ice. It is important to clarify that the maximum time to perform each wrap is 15-20 minutes, as this will be the maximum time they will generate an effect. In this content, you understood more about the features and differences between cold and ice packs. So now it’s easier to choose the ideal one for everyday situations.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
-qdsqacs9y82p.png "Henrique, from the duo with Juliano, puts his son to ride from Carneiro: “Here is the root”")
