Q: How does Ice Pack Therapy work?
Ice Pack Therapy cools the affected area to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. It works by:
✅ Constraining blood vessels to control swelling
✅ Numbing pain receptors for immediate relief
✅ Slowing tissue metabolism to prevent further damage
✅ Relaxing overactive muscles and nerves
Duration guidance: Ice should typically be applied for 10–20 minutes per session. Longer exposure may cause discomfort or skin irritation due to prolonged vasoconstriction.
Q: When should I use Hot Pack therapy and when should I use Ice Pack therapy?
| Feature | Ice Pack (Cold Therapy / Cryotherapy) | Hot Pack (Heat Therapy / Thermotherapy) |
| Purpose | Reduce acute pain, inflammation, and swelling | Relieve chronic stiffness, relax tight muscles, and improve flexibility |
| Mechanism | Constricts blood vessels, slows metabolism in tissues, numbs nerve endings | Dilates blood vessels, increases blood flow, warms tissues, relaxes muscles |
| Best For | Acute injuries: sprains, strains, bruises | Chronic conditions: tight muscles, joint stiffness, muscle spasms |
| When to Apply | Immediately after injury or exercise, post-therapy for soreness | Before exercise or therapy, for warming up tight areas, chronic pain relief |
| Effect on Pain | Blocks pain signals, provides temporary relief | Relieves pain by loosening muscles and improving circulation |
| Effect on Tissue | Decreases tissue metabolism, reduces swelling | Increases tissue elasticity, improves oxygen and nutrient delivery |
| Duration of Application | 10–20 minutes per session, avoid direct skin contact | 15–30 minutes per session, avoid excessive heat to prevent burns |
| Precautions | Not for poor circulation, Raynaud’s disease, or open wounds | Not for acute injury, inflamed areas, or skin sensitivity |