Dr. Vijay Kumar

Hot and Cold therapy is one of the most popular home remedies for any kind of joint pain or muscle sprain. In some cases applying heat therapy and cold therapy alternatively, can help relieve the pain while for others only one form of therapy is necessary. To understand what to use when, one should first understand the effect of heat and cooling on the body.

Applying a heat pack or immersing the affected limb in hot water improves blood circulation and makes the muscles more flexible. Thus, it can help relax a muscle and fasten the healing of damaged tissues. On the other hand, cold therapy or cryotherapy reduces blood flow to the affected site. This helps relieve inflammation and pain caused by it. It can also make the area feel numb by reducing nerve activity temporarily.

Types of Heat Therapy
Heat therapy can be categorized as dry heat and moist heat. Dry heat involves using saunas or dry heating packs to relieve pain. This is also known as conducted heat therapy. As the name suggests, moist heat involves the use of steamed towels, hot baths and moist heating packs. This is also known as convection heat therapy. Moist heat is usually considered more effective than dry heat.

Types of Cold Therapy
Cold therapy may be applied to a part of the body or to the entire body. This includes ice packs, coolant sprays, ice baths, ice massages and whole body, cold therapy chambers.

How to use heat and cold therapy?

When not to use Heat Therapy?
If the injury site is swollen or bruised, cold therapy is better than heat therapy. Heat therapy should also not be applied to an open wound. People suffering from conditions such as diabetes, dermatitis, deep vein thrombosis, vascular diseases and multiple sclerosis should also avoid heat therapy as these conditions can increase the risk of burns and other such complications. Pregnant women should also consult a doctor before using a hot tub or sauna.

When not to use Cold Therapy?
Cold therapy is avoidable for treating stiff joints and muscles. People suffering from poor circulation and sensory disorders should also avoid using cold therapy without a doctor’s supervision. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult a pain management specialist.

Stretching Tools and Props

 Different stretching tools and props we feel will help you reach your flexibility goals and as add variety to the basic stretches. These are relatively inexpensive and can be found at a local store that carries fitness equipment, or some may even be substituted by items lying around your house.

Foam roller: 

The foam roller is used to release tension in the muscles, and provides effects similar to receiving a massage. The foam roller can be used on most muscle groups and is a great warm-up tool for any activity.

Dowel rod: 

This could easily be replaced with a broomstick. It often accompanies rotational poses and overhead movements around the shoulders to accomplish a greater range of motion.

Risers:

Any sturdy elevated surface can serve the same function as risers for many stretches shown in the book. However, the risers are nice because you can adjust the height to what fits you best.

Stretch rope:

Simply a rope that can be purchased at any home goods store. This piece of equipment assists a movement and provides a deeper stretch to the targeted muscle group. A 7-foot length works fine.

Stability ball and medicine balls:

 Many different size balls are utilized . The large ball is known as a stability ball and can be purchased at many stores that carry fitness equipment.The stability ball adds an extra element to many stretches by incorporating a balance component or a greater range of motion.Medicine balls of various sizes are also used as props, but any type of sport ball will work as well.

Supported stability ball:

 Using a support frame, or Halo™, with the stability ball will provide a stationary platform with more stability when needed. This can also be replaced by a sturdy chair for most of the stretches.