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How do I Choose the Best Hot-Cold Compress?

Angela Crout-Mitchell
Angela Crout-Mitchell

Hot-cold compress options come in many different varieties. Selecting the right one is a matter of considering the needs of the individual, how long the compress is expected to last, and on what area of the body the compress will be used. Most hot-cold compresses are designed to be used more than once and have the capability of offering heat as well as cold to damaged tissue for first aid and other therapies. The varying temperatures have specific functions in aiding the body's healing process. Hot compresses are most often used to alleviate muscle aches, cramping and arthritis discomfort, while cold compresses are ideal for insect bites, sprained joints, and bruises.

The chemical make up of a hot-cold compress is normally a simple saline, or salt, solution. When frozen, the mixture serves as a flexible yet cold compress capable of retaining its low temperature for varying length of time, depending on external circumstances. It is important to never place a cold or frozen compress directly on exposed skin. With microwaveable hot-cold compresses, the same salt mixture is heated to produce a hot pack capable of holding the correct temperature for an hour or more.

Many reusable compresses can be heated in a microwave.
Many reusable compresses can be heated in a microwave.

Hot-cold compresses are available in many different varieties. Reusable compresses are normally heated in the microwave, and chilled in the freezer. A reusable hot-cold compress, when taken care of, can effectively be used for months and possibly even years. Single-use compresses are also available. They are often smaller and ideal for alleviating pain and swelling of a small area, but because they are disposable, the cost of using these hot-cold compresses can add up quickly.

A cold compress.
A cold compress.

There are a multitude of uses for hot compress function of a hot-cold compress. Heat therapy increases blood flow and provides pain relief. This type of compress therapy is especially useful in relieving stiff joints and sore muscles, and is often employed by physical trainers and therapists in a number of different situations. It is also not uncommon for doctors to prescribe hot packs to their arthritis patients to promote greater range of motion and to enhance the effects of pain relieving and anti inflammatory drugs. Warm, moist heat penetrates into tissue more deeply than dry heat, and is thus more effective in treating these kinds of muscle and joint problems.

Cold therapy can be used to treat a toothache.
Cold therapy can be used to treat a toothache.

Issues such as tendon or ligament injury, bruising, and head or toothaches can be improved with cold therapy. Cold temperatures impede the flow of blood to a specific area of the body, making it difficult for swelling of the tissues to occur. With reduced blood flow, the sensation of pain is reduced, helping speed up the healing time associated with injuries or illnesses involving swelling. Ice or cold packs can also be employed in minor first aid situations when the patient has light or moderate bleeding. Serious injuries will require a visit to the doctor's office or local hospital.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

@bluedolphin-- I think you have a point. We have never used our hot cold compress for heat. We always freeze it. But we don't really use the compress in a conventional way anyway. Half of the time, it's sitting in my husband's lunch bag keeping his soda and sandwich cold.

SarahGen

@bluedolphin-- There are some very good quality, durable hot cold compresses out there that stay hot and cold equally well. Of course there are also compresses that do not work too well. It's necessary for customers to read some reviews and ask their friends, family and also pharmacist for recommendations.

I have one that I have been using for a few years without problems. It says hot for a good thirty minutes and it stays cold for a little bit longer. But it always gets the job done. I use it for migraine pain, back pain as well as injuries where there is swelling.

bluedolphin

From my experience, hot cold compresses work better as a cold compress than a hot compress. The frozen compress remains cold for a long time but a hot compress heated in the microwave doesn't stay hot very long. Moreover, microwaving frequently usually damages the product and causes leakages which basically make the compress unusable.

Those who are just planning to use the compress cold might not have issues. But a hot cold compress is probably not ideal for those planning to use the compress only hot.

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    • Many reusable compresses can be heated in a microwave.
      Many reusable compresses can be heated in a microwave.
    • A cold compress.
      By: Marc Dietrich
      A cold compress.
    • Cold therapy can be used to treat a toothache.
      By: Eléonore H
      Cold therapy can be used to treat a toothache.