Should you use heat or ice for pain?
Are you in pain? Suffering from cramps, a muscle spasm or joint pain? Did you sprain, strain or tear a muscle? You may be wondering if you should apply heat or ice. Read what follows to find out.
Thermotherapy
Heat therapy promotes the regeneration of tissue and provides relief by:
- Dilating blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the area
- Promoting cellular activity
- Relaxing tense muscles
- Increasing tissue elasticity
- Reducing pain
You take a hot bath or apply a warm compress or hot water bottle for muscle cramps, menstrual cramps, muscle spasms, sore or stiff muscles and arthritic pain.
Cryotherapy
Cold therapy is effective where the ice is applied. It provides pain relief by:
- Slowing blood flow
- Reducing swelling
- Minimizing muscle spasms
- Anesthetizing the area by temporarily slowing down nerve conduction
Cold therapy (e.g. gel pack or bag of frozen peas) is the right choice for sprains, tears, strains, bruises, minor burns, insect bites and headaches.
Important!
Do not use cold therapy on wounds, since it interferes with the healing process.
How long? How often?
Whether you’re treating an injury with heat or cold, the instructions are the same: apply the compress to the injured area for 10 to 15 minutes, every 1 to 2 hours for the first 2 days. Never apply directly to skin, since it can damage the tissues. Always wrap your compress in a towel first.
Other solutions?
Over-the-counter medicines can also be taken to alleviate pain. Depending on your specific problem, you may want to use a product that contains acetaminophen or an anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen, but never longer than 2 to 3 days.
Topical products, such as creams and ointments containing camphor, menthol, triethanolamine salicylate or methyl salicylate, are good options for the relief of localized pain. Many types of formulas are available on the market: some are odourless, while others provide a cold or a hot sensation. Keep in mind that you should never apply these products to broken skin.
Pharmacy services
Your family pharmacists can give you first aid advice for all types of injuries. Talk to them: It’s what their job is all about!
The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Uniprix. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy. These services are offered in participating pharmacies only. Certain fees and conditions may apply.
* The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.