Hot and Cold Therapy

How hot and cold therapy can help you recover from muscle pain and injuries.
This article reviews the benefits of using hot and cold therapy to recover from a variety of conditions and injuries. Whether you are recovering from a marathon or suffering from muscle pain, the Neo G Hot and Cold Pack and Disc can help you get back on the road!

HEAT THERAPY*

Increasing your regular workout intensity or doing a high intense physical activity, such as running 26.2 miles in a marathon, may damage the muscles fibres. The muscle pain suffered after exercising is known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), and it can result in muscle soreness and stiffness.  
Heating pads can help recovery as they are normally used to treat muscle and joint pain/stiffness or relax muscles. It can also help with symptoms of arthritis and menstrual cramps.

How it works

Heat therapy works by improving the blood flow and circulation to a specific area. The increased blood flow is due to the increased temperature in the area from the heat source which dilates the blood vessels. The increased temperature will also help relax and soothe the muscles surrounding the area that the heat pad is placed on. By relaxing the muscles, heat therapy is a good way to increase muscle flexibility especially for individuals who can be very inflexible.

How to apply

The Neo G Hot & Cold Dual function Disc or Pack should be warmed up following the instructions for use. Once the product has been heated up correctly and placed into the protector sleeve, it can be applied to the localised area that you are wanting to treat. Heat should be applied to the area for around 10-15 minutes but if possible regularly check the area the heat is applied to.

COLD THERAPY**

After a knee, wrist or ankle injury you can experience muscle/joint swelling or inflammation - in this situation is recommended to apply the Rest Ice Compression Elevation principle (R.I.C.E.). Ice packs are used for acute injuries and pain including inflammation, as well as soothing aches and pains e.g. headaches, toothache, insect bites and occupational/sporting injuries.

How it works

Cold therapy works by constricting the blood vessels in a particular area which reduces the blood flow to that area. This can significantly reduce inflammation especially around joints and tendons. The decrease in swelling can also help with the pain that is associated with swollen joints.

How to apply

When using Neo G’s cold therapy always cool the pack following the instructions for use. Once cold enough, ensure to place the disc/pack into the protector sleeve before applying to the affected area. Use the cold pack on the area for short periods of time up to 10-15 minutes and repeat several times during the day. To help with reducing swelling it is also advised to elevate the affected area while applying the cold pack. This follows the R.I.C.E principle.

NEO G HOT AND COLD THERAPY PRODUCTS

The Neo G Hot and Cold therapy products are reusable and can be used as heat pad or a cold pad allowing you to use the same product throughout your injury timeline. The therapy involves using both applications (heat & ice) to relieve pain associated with injuries.

The disc has been specifically designed to be used over small areas especially around joints such as the knee, ankle, elbow and shoulder. The cut out in the centre of the disc allows the disc to be moulded around these joints when both used as a heat pad or as a cold pad. The pack has been designed for using on larger areas of the body such as the back and thigh area.
Both of these Neo G Hot and Cold Therapy products have been designed to be used alongside a variety of the Neo G VCS supports as well as a stand-alone product to offer a complete injury and rehabilitation solution.
Look out for the compatible with Integrated Hot and Cold symbol on the Neo G range to see which supports are suitable to use with the Hot and Cold Therapy products.
*When not to use
Heat therapy should not be used on open wounds or on areas that are bruised or swollen. Also, certain conditions where there is reduced sensation should not use heat therapy due to the increased risk of burns or complications. If in any doubt weather heat therapy is correct for you always consult a medical practitioner.
**When not to use        
Like heat therapy any individual with sensory disorders should not use cold therapy at home as they may not be able to feel if damage is being done to the skin.

 

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