How much do you know about hot compress? Let’s talk about the right choice of hot and cold compresses?

Hot compresses can be used to treat a variety of sports-related bone and muscle injuries. There are many different treatments, and whether they can achieve the greatest effect depends on the different injuries. At the same time, it is also very important to clarify the timing of hot compress treatment.

What are the benefits and main functions of hot compress?

1. Relieve pain;

2. Relieve stiffness;

3. Reduce muscle spasms;

4. Relax tense muscles and joints;

5. Restore the normal softness of soft tissue;

6. Increase blood supply to the injured area, promote blood circulation, and facilitate healing.

When is it appropriate to use heat therapy?

Hot compress therapy should be used mainly for chronic injuries and the late stages of acute injuries. Chronic injuries usually occur after a long period of injury (repeated overuse and strain), rather than sudden accidental injuries. Applying hot compresses before training and exercise can help activate muscle and ligament tissues and warm up better, such as applying hot compresses to the calf muscles before running and to the shoulders before track and field sports. However, it is generally not recommended to apply heat immediately after exercise.

How to apply heat correctly?

The easiest way to apply heat is to use a hot pack. The main heat-generating ingredients of hot compress bags include gelatin or wheat. When using, you only need to heat it in the microwave or mix it with hot water. Wrap a towel around the injured area to ensure local comfort, and the temperature should not be too high. Usually a hot compress lasts about 15-20 minutes at a time, and the time of hot compress can be adjusted according to the doctor's instructions.

Hot water towels and warm water baths can also be used as hot compresses. Wet compresses are generally more effective than dry compresses because they have better tissue permeability and can reach deeper tissues. Using a hot towel or heating in a microwave can make hot compresses easier, but the heat from a hot towel can generally only last for 5-10 minutes, which is not enough time to use. Choosing a hot compress bag is more convenient and can maintain heat for a longer time.

What are the contraindications of hot compress therapy?

When applying hot compresses, you need to pay attention to the following issues:

1. Abnormal skin sensation, such as diabetic foot patients (if the temperature is too high, they may not feel it);

2. If the hot compress lasts too long or the temperature is too hot, thermal burns may occur easily;

3. Have a history of skin thermal allergy;

4. Circulatory system disorders (cardiovascular patients may induce emergencies);

5. Using hot compresses during acute trauma will increase the degree of swelling;

6. Deep vein thrombosis;

7. Infection;

8. Malignant tumors, etc.