Which best relieves pain?
In general, cold is indicated in case of inflammation. Indeed, the cold has anti-inflammatory, decongestant, vasoconstrictor, and analgesic effects to relieve acute pain in case of trauma.
It can be used in case of local pain such as shock, bruise, strain, sprain and other recent muscle injuries. The cold can also be used to relieve flare-ups of osteoarthritis, heavy leg sensations and against repeated cramps.
To take advantage of the benefits of cold, it can be used in:
local application: reusable cryogel bag, ice pack, etc.
by total immersion: bath, cold water jet, cryotherapy, etc.
When does heat relieve pain?
Unlike cold, heat induces muscle relaxation and promotes tissue elasticity. In addition, heat has a relaxing effect. In this sense, heat helps relieve pain in the event of contractures and tissue tension.
On the other hand, you should not apply heat to an inflammation (when the painful area is swollen and hot) at the risk of aggravating it.
You can use heat in case of muscle pain, body aches, contractures, back pain, menstrual pain, abdominal pain, neck pain (cervicalgia, torticollis).… In general, you can also take advantage of the benefits of heat to relax and fight against tension caused by stress.
The use of heat to relieve pain can be done by:
local application: hot water bottle, heating patches, etc.
tecartherapy at the physiotherapist: a technique which diffuses gentle heat inside the tissues by radiofrequency via electrodes and by manual action and which can relieve many ailments such as tendonitis of the shoulder, sprain of the ankle, knee or hip osteoarthritis;
a hot bath or shower to relax the body contracted by stress.
