Guide on Hot Compress Vs. Cold Compress’ Effects on Pain, Injury in the Body
HOT COMPRESS VS. COLD COMPRESS – Here is a guide on the different effects of these two (2) remedies on pain or injury.
One of the things that are very inevitable and could happen anytime and anywhere is getting an injury. In fact, it is one of the possibilities that are tightly attached to certain fields like sports. Most athletes have experienced being injured at least once in their lives.
At home, slipping on a wet floor or getting your leg or shoulder unintentionally bumped on a surface are also among the inevitable scenarios – which can also lead to injury.
Usually, when injuries take place, the hot compress or cold compress are among the things that cross the mind. These two (2) are usual parts of home remedies.
However, have you also wondered about the differences between the effects of a hot compress and a cold compress on pain or injury? There might be times that you are curious as to which of the two (2) you must apply on a sore or injury.
Based on an article on Hopkins Medicine, both are remedies for injury or soreness but they bear different effects which must be considered based on the case of injury. Here are what you must remember:
Hot Compress:
- brings more blood to the part where it is applied
- eases joint stiffness and muscle spasm
- must not be used for the first 48 hours after an injury
Cold Compress:
- reduces pain by numbing the affected area
- eases swelling and inflammation
- eases bleeding
To apply a hot compress, you may use a towel dampened in warm water or you may also use a heating pad. If you will be applying a cold compress, you may use a towel dampened in cold water or an ice pack.
You may also visit – Hot Compress Uses and How To Make A Hot Compress