Hot vs. Cold Therapy: The Ultimate Showdown!
Truth be told, there has been an ongoing debate for centuries—which is better for pain and injury recovery: cold therapy or hot therapy? And today, it’s time to demystify it once and for all!
Although we began last week with "The Arthritis and Its Physiotherapist"—and yes, we’ll continue exploring that topic—understanding this battle and knowing who the real winner is will help you manage your body better.
So, sit back, relax, and let’s finally uncover the truth!
Let’s Get Creative for a Moment…
Take a nostalgic walk back to childhood.
Who remembers those moments when, as kids, we fell, hit our heads, or bumped our knees—only to end up with a swollen lump on our foreheads? (Take a smile if you were one of the ‘forehead bumpers’!)
What happened next? Your mother or guardian rushed in, cradled you in their lap, and out came that small, red-labeled hot balm bottle—whether it was Robb, Aboliki, or another strong-smelling ointment. Or she could even dab that place with something hot to relieve the pain. She’d rub it aggressively on the swollen area, believing it would relieve the pain—and let’s be honest, in that moment, it felt like the most intense, fiery massage of our lives!
For the calm and gentle kids, that was the signal to end the day's adventures and take a nap. For the hyperactive ones, well… give it a few minutes, and they were back outside playing!
All of this memory is meant to put a smile on your face, because for many of us, this was a shared childhood experience.
But What If We Told You That Instead of Helping, Your Mother Was Actually Making It Worse?
Wait! Hold on… Before you call up your mom and tell her she got it wrong, let’s be clear—she wasn’t entirely incorrect. In fact, her method worked in its own way. But today, let’s break it down scientifically and explain what should have been done in such situations.
What she did—applying a hot ointment (Robb, Aboliki) or hot water to the injury—was her way of trying to help. However, here’s what actually happened:
Heat opens up blood vessels thereby increasing blood flow to the injured area. And when this occurs, more blood flow = more swelling and pain –instead of relief.
While this might have felt soothing at first, it was working against the body’s natural healing process.
What Should Have Been Done Instead?
For acute injuries (injuries less than three months old), the goal is to stop further bleeding and reduce swelling. This can only happen if something cold, rather than hot, is applied.
Cold therapy (ice, cold compress, or cold sprays) does the opposite of heat: constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling and numbs the pain for quick relief.
Sports Fans, You’ve Seen This Before!
Football lovers and athletes—let’s take a memory walk. Think back to a time when a footballer suffered an injury on the field. What happens next? The medical team rushes in and immediately sprays ‘something’ on the injured area.
That ‘something’ is cold spray, and it isn’t magic—it’s a scientific method for quick relief! As mentioned earlier, it narrows the blood vessels, reduces swelling, and prevents further damage. And almost instantly, the footballer gets back on the pitch. While some may think it's a miracle, we know it’s just the power of cold therapy at work.
Caution: A Quick but Important Note!
As we wrap up this week’s post, here’s something crucial to keep in mind:
While cold therapy is an essential first aid method, not everyone can tolerate it. Some people are allergic to cold water or have sensitive skin conditions that make ice application harmful rather than helpful. Before applying ice or cold water, always check if the person is comfortable with it. Simply apply on another part of the skin to tell.
That said, most siblings, parents, or friends have no issue with cold therapy—so if needed, you can safely apply it to them in emergency situations.
Need more guidance on cold therapy or injury care? Reach out to us at +2348126973878—we’re happy to help!
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