Romford and Ilford Chiropractic Clinic

1. Heat
Pack
or
Ice
Pack
?
313 High Road Chadwell Heath
Romford , Essex RM6 6AX
Tel : 0208 252 1010 : 0208 262 3140
www.chiropracticcare.co.uk
Not sure Heat pack or Ice pack?
Cold therapy produces vasoconstriction. This means that
the diameter of the blood vessels in the area become
smaller, allowing less blood to flow to the target tissues.
This slows circulation, which in turn reduces inflammation,
reduces swelling, eases muscle spasm and decreases pain
(by slowing the nerve impulses to the injured area).
Superficial cold is available in many forms, including a
variety of commercial cold packs, ice cubes, iced
towels/compresses, a bag of frozen peas and forms of hydrotherapy. Cold or ice should
never be applied directly to the skin. A barrier, such as a towel, should be placed between
the cold agent and the skin's surface to prevent skin and nerve damage. Punctured
commercial cold packs should be immediately discarded, as the chemical agent/gel will
burn skin.
For chronic pain (pain that has been present for a few days), treat with a heat pack.
Heat therapy induces vasodilatation. This means that the
diameter of the blood vessels in the area become bigger,
allowing more blood to flow to the target tissues.
Increased blood flow delivers needed oxygen and
nutrients and removes cell wastes. The warmth
decreases muscle spasm, relaxes tense muscles, relieves
pain and can increase range of motion.
Superficial heat is available in many forms, including hot
and moist compresses, heating pads, hydrotherapy and
commercial chemical/gel packs. Hot packs in any form should always be wrapped in a towel
to prevent burns. Punctured commercial hot packs should be immediately discarded, as the
chemical agent/gel will burn skin.
How long do I keep the heat pack or cold pack on? No longer than 10-15 minutes per
session. The heat pack or cold pack can be re-applied every couple of hours initially
and then less frequently as the painful condition improves.