Hotpack Therapy September
Hotpack Therapy September
As the weather cools, you move your training indoors. We’re keeping the heat alive by offering you a complimentary hot pack after your training sessions and also to any new Vive Fitness gym members. Jumpstart your training pain and injury this month, head indoors after your fall hike and try some heat on us!
If you are in physical therapy or following a health care program, please follow the guidelines of your health professional.
Why heat instead of cold?
You may be familiar with using an icepack right after a sport injury or for swelling and inflammation.
But, heat is often used for lingering issues with your tissues, for tension, strains, stiffness and aches that just won’t go away.
Our September Heats Up PROMO:
HOTPACK THERAPY SEPTEMBER
All Vive Fitness gym members training with a personal trainer or clients in our physiotherapy program are able to enjoy a hot pack in our training clinic Before or After their workout.**
Ask our physio on staff:
Vick Srinivasan
**Time & space permitting. We will accommodate everyone as time and space permits in our second floor rehabilitation and training clinic space and the availability of our physical therapy staff.
Sore back?
Stiff Muscles?
Chronic tightness?
HOTPACK THERAPY SEPTEMBER IS FOR YOU
Training after an injury?
Heat has been shown to effectively increase recovery and reduce muscle atrophy
The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine concluded in a recent study:“Repeated heat exposures should be considered a novel therapeutic intervention to counteract muscle atrophy during immobilization.”
Ready to get the boost you need in your training?
Want to train safely?
Get started with our physiotherapy program.
Physio Book online:
Did you know every member of Vive Fitness gym gets a complimentary one-on-one support in starting their health journey?
Read more on how we support you: Train Injury Free
BASICS OF HOT AND COLD THERAPY
Hot and Cold Pack Therapy Guidelines – summarized by Vick Srinivasan PT
Hot Pack Therapy (Hot Towel, Electric Heating Pad, Hot gel packs)
PROS OF HOT THERAPY
– Promotes relaxation of muscles and reduces stiffness.
– Increases blood flow to the affected area, aiding healing.
– Reduces muscle spasm and pain perception.
– Improves tissue elasticity, preparing joints and muscles for exercise or therapy.
CONS OF HOT THERAPY
– Risk of burns if applied improperly or for too long.
– May increase inflammation if used during acute injuries.
– Not suitable for patients with poor circulation or impaired sensation.
– Excessive heat may cause discomfort or dizziness.
Best Uses
– For chronic pain or stiffness (e.g., arthritis, muscle tightness).
– Before exercise or physiotherapy to loosen tissues.
– To relieve muscle spasms or tension headaches (with moist heat).
Do NOT Use
– During acute injuries (first 24–72 hours) when swelling is present.
– Over areas with impaired sensation or circulation.
– On open wounds or skin conditions.
– In individuals with heat sensitivity disorders.
Cold Pack Therapy (Ice, Cooling Gel, Cold towel, Ice baths)
PROS OF COLD THERAPY
– Reduces inflammation and swelling in acute injuries.
– Numbs pain by slowing nerve conduction.
– Limits secondary tissue damage by decreasing metabolic demand.
– Useful for acute sprains, strains, and post-surgical swelling.
CONS OF COLD THERAPY
– May cause frostbite or skin irritation if used excessively.
– Can increase stiffness if applied for too long.
– Not suitable for patients with cold hypersensitivity (e.g., Raynaud’s disease).
– Prolonged use may reduce blood flow excessively, slowing healing.
Best Uses
– Immediately after acute injury (within 24–72 hours).
– For swelling, bruising, or sharp pain.
– After intense exercise to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
Do NOT Use
– On areas with poor circulation or nerve damage.
– In individuals with cold hypersensitivity or vascular disorders.
– Before physical activity (may reduce flexibility).
– Directly on skin without protection.
Is it right for you?
Who Can Use hot or cold therapy?
– Most individuals can safely use hot or cold packs with proper precautions.
– Extra caution for elderly patients, children, and those with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or sensory impairments.
Consider Safety Guidelines:
Sensory Testing
– Always check sensation before applying hot or cold packs.
– Test with light touch, temperature discrimination (hot vs. cold), and pressure.
– If sensation is impaired, avoid thermal modalities to prevent injury.
Duration of Use
– Hot Pack: Typically 15–20 minutes per session.
– Cold Pack: Typically 10–15 minutes per session
(can repeat every 2–3 hours in acute phase).
- Always monitor skin and patient comfort during use.
- If you have questions, ask you health professional or physiotherapist for best support.
References
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=acn6587&lang=en