TTF #23 - Hot Packs V.S. Cold Packs. Are you using them correctly?

Many people are confused when it comes to using hot packs and cold packs. So in this episode, we talk about the differences between these two therapies, what conditions they are good for and how to use them properly.  Thanks for tuning in! If you like what you hear, you can support us by following our instagram @thetcmfolks and feel free to drop us a message if you have any feedback, questions or suggestions. Take care and have a wonderful day ahead. Cold Therapy Mainly used for: · Acute injury or pain (sprains) · Inflammation and swelling (tendonitis, arthritis) · Post-exercise recovery Points to note: 1. Apply cold therapy asap after an acute injury. Treatment should be around 10-15 mins maximum each time, repeated several times throughout the day with breaks in-between. 2. Never place cold packs directly onto the skin. Always wrap with a cloth or towel first to prevent skin damage. 3. 24 hours after the onset of injury, it is generally not advisable to do cold therapy anymore. 4. Avoid cold therapy if you have sensory disorders that make you less sensitive to temperature (e.g. diabetes), or if you have stiff/sore muscles and joints. Heat Therapy Mainly used for: · Chronic injury or pain (frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, mummy's hand) · Muscle tightness, stiffness, soreness and fatigue (stiff neck, lower back pain) Points to note: 1. Apply heat source to affected area for 15-20 mins at a time. 2. Ensure heat source is warm and not hot to avoid burning skin. A good gauge is around 40 °C, which is about the temperature of a warm shower. 3. Slight reddening of the skin is normal during heat therapy. However, if there is any swelling, pain or if the heat becomes unbearable, remove the heat source immediately. 4. Avoid heat therapy if you have sensory disorders that make you less sensitive to temperature (e.g. diabetes), open wounds, skin conditions, deep vein thrombosis, cardiovascular disease, or bruising and swelling.