Does Alternating Ice and Heat Therapy Work - Wellness Tips for 2024
We may try the heat therapy or the cold therapy, but how effective is the combination of these two methods together? We are sure you're curious too, so let's explore the wonders of this temperature therapy together!
What is Alternating Ice and Heat Therapy?
As the name suggests, it is a regular rotation of hot and cold packs. This type of therapy mainly targets muscle as well as joint pain. Props of varying temperatures such as hot towels or hot water bags, ice packs or filled ice cubes are usually required. Then place a hot or cold one on the area of discomfort and replace it with another when the time is up.
Is Alternating Ice and Heat Therapy Effective？
Yes, this therapy, also known as contrast therapy, is designed to blend the benefits of ice therapy and heat therapy to maximize the efficiency of recovery.
Cold Therapy: Cold can reduce blood flow to the injured area, which slows down inflammation and swelling. In addition, the cold can numb the pain area so that pain messages do not travel as quickly to the brain, which can have an effect close to mild anesthesia.
Heat Therapy: The heat therapy does just the opposite. It can widen the blood vessels and speed up the flow of blood, which will help transport more oxygen into the body. Our bodies are self-repairing, and when they receive more oxygen and nutrients, the rate of recovery increases. At the same time, the right amount of heat can make you feel comfortable and relaxed, relieving pain.
How Should I Use the Alternating Ice and Heat Therapy?
1. Prepare the Tools
This treatment requires tools that can release temperature, the most common products are ice packs, hot water bags, heating pads, ice pads etc.
It is highly recommended to use an ABEGET professional therapeutic massager. The massage gun with heat and cold is equipped with a professional massage head. The heating and cooling functions can be raised or lowered to your desired temperature in just a few seconds. Shocked by the high-frequency motor, you can give your muscles a deep and powerful massage while enjoying the alternation of heat and cold, providing double relief for your muscles.
In addition, the handle is made of anti-slip material, which can prevent falling the massage gun due to the angle when massaging the back waist and back. It also can avoid the massage gun slipping because of sweaty hands, ensuring the safety of use.
Hot water or ice bottles are an easy and cheap solution, but the ABEGET Hot and Cold Massage Gun is a more convenient and stable option for your body’s recovery needs.
2. Choose the Right Temperature
The temperature used for alternating hot and cold therapy should not be too high or too low. Make sure that your body doesn't feel uncomfortable or painful while performing the treatment, or it can cause negative effects such as burns and frostbite. And of course, do not choose a temperature that is close to room temperature, which is not very effective for the treatment.
3. Place on the Body Part to Be Treated
Once you have everything ready, you can place them on the area that needs to be treated. Keep the duration of each hot or cold compress to 3-5 minutes. When exchanging hot and cold compresses, wait until the skin returns to its original temperature before proceeding with the treatment.
Alternating hot and cold therapy can be performed at home; it is simple and convenient. But we should not be taken lightly and get yourself injured while operating it. Seek timely help from your doctor if necessary. ABEGET hopes everyone will have a pleasant treatment experience!
