I have been using hot and cold therapy for about 5 years ever since I became a massage therapist, I found that it was a way to look after my hands, thumbs and wrists because it calmed down any inflammation and pain that I had after a long work day.
When I had my first relapse which affected my hand, I applied the same method and continued using the heat and cold therapy. Then when my other relapse came in 2019 which affected my wrist, hand and arm I did the same process. Unfortunately, everyone initially thought I had tendonitis so I was told only to apply warm - of course this only aggrivated my relapse and made the inflammation worse. So as soon as I got my confirmation that it was a relapse (a year later) I started my own home treatment with hot and cold therapy again.
To this day I swear by it, as soon as I've iced I immediately feel better - the heat is a welcomed relief but you must always end with ice.
There have been studies on cold therapy for Multiple sclerosis and they say that the link between cold therapy treatments and MS is very promising.
It is essential to drink enough water and liquids. The body heals better when it is fully hydrated. Be sure to protect your skin from extreme temperatures, and stretch whenever you use heat therapy. Finally, you will want to be sure to use plenty of heat and increase the intensity of temperatures gradually as much as you can safely handle. Remember to always finish with an application of cold!
Precautions with cold and hot therapy:
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are thinking of utilising cold and hot therapy:
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures may cause muscle tension and increased muscle contraction.
Too much heat may promote more inflammation.
Stay hydrated. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can dehydrate you.
Cold therapy should not be used on stiff muscles or joints or if you have poor circulation.
Both cold and hot therapy should also not be used on people who have sensory disorders without professional supervision. If the person cannot feel the cold or heat, this could be dangerous, causing burns or damage.
Do not apply these therapies to open wounds
Hope this video may help anyone out there who has issues with pain 🧡
28 июл 2024
