What’s the Difference between Hot and Cold

Pain is often treated by using hot or cold packs. I am asked all the time, which one is better for sore muscles or pain. Typically cold is used for acute pain on areas that are swollen. Heat is typically used for chronic pain and old injuries.

Why Heat Works

Heat can be very relaxing to the muscles. Heat increases blood flow and soothes sore muscles. If you suffer from muscles spasms, heat can help relax the spasms. Lactic acid is normally reason you feel muscle soreness. Areas of the body that are injured are usually not receiving much blood flow. Blood flow helps move the lactic acid through your system. In areas of decreased blood flow, lactic acid accumulates. Since heat increases blood flow and helps your muscles relax, heat aids your body in removing the build-up of lactic acid and other toxins.

This is why massage therapists use heated tables and heated towels when giving a massage.

If you suffer from chronic pain or have an old injury that is easily aggravated, consider applying heat to the area before workouts. This will help the muscles stay relaxed and hopefully curb the normal flare-ups.

Because heat causes increased blood flow, applying it to fresh injury can increase the inflammation and your pain.

Why Cold Works

Inflamed and swollen injuries are usually treated with cold compresses. As an injured area begins to swell, tissues are compressed causing the pain. Cold also slows down your blood flow preventing your body from continued swelling. Basically, ice helps to numb the injury and lessen the pain.

Applying ice packs to a minor injury is always under speculation. If you suffer from muscle spasms or sore muscles, ice can increase your pain because the muscles will contract even more. Sore tissues are already experiencing lack of blood flow, ice slows down the blood flow even more.

Whatever Works for You

When seeking to reduce pain, find out what works best for you. If your body responds better to heat, then use heat. There really are no set rules on when to use heat and when to apply cold to sore muscles. Be cautious when apply cold. If you are apply cold packs to your calves every day, you may be harming your muscle tissue.

Never apply heat or cold directly to the skin. Always use some type of barrier such as a towel. It may take a few minutes for the heat or cold to soak through but you don’t want to risk damaging your skin.