12/01/2023
Explaining heat and cold effects in the body
In the world of massage, we use different tools to help the treatments according to the symptoms of the client. Our body needs to be in homeostasis for a correct function. Based on that principle, we can use heat or cold therapy to help with the healing process.
Heat therapy is also called thermotherapy, and it has many benefits. Heat stimulates circulation, relaxation, and tissue elasticity. It can be the answer to muscle soreness, stiffness, and aches. The application of warmth also speeds up the recovery process for athletes and active individuals, heat treatment can aid in getting back to normal activities. For example, placing a heat pad in the base of the neck can help to reduce headaches, and smooth the muscles of the neck and shoulders. There are different ways to apply heat to the body, soaking in a hot bath is relaxing, electric heating pads that you can find in the pharmacy, as well as some patches. Pads made of rice that you can warm in the microwave or just a towel soaked in warm water.
There are some important restrictions for heat in the body. You should never sleep with a heating device because it can cause a burn if it is left unattended. Pregnant women should never place a heat source near the abdomen. Diabetic condition can create a misjudge whether the temperature is too hot for the client. It is recommended to not use any heat source straight to the skin to avoid burns. Under any neuropathy condition this therapy is limited to 30 minutes at the time in unaffected areas.
Cold therapy is called Cryotherapy. It is used as a natural analgesic help at any time. The local application of cold is beneficial for painful, inflamed, and swollen areas. It will reduce inflammation by decreasing blood circulation to limit swelling and consequently reduce pain. A secondary effect happens when the cold is removed from an area. The blood then rushes into that area to normalize the temperature and therefore increase the circulation. To apply cold therapy, you can use Cold compress, an ice pack (crushed ice in a plastic bag), ice massage, compressor units with thermal packs, coolant sprays, or immersion baths. If you have a sprained or strained muscle you can practice the acronym P.R.I.C.E. which means Protect the area, Rest the area, Ice the area, Compression in the area, and Elevate the affected area. This reduces swelling, pain, and the secondary tissue damage that results from excessive swelling. After 48 to 72 hours of treatment, limit the usage and include massages for healing the tissues. Is important to remember that prolonged use of cold applications has a depressing effect on the body and must be used with caution and supervision.
Contrast Therapy
The alternate application of heat and cold is one of the most effective methods of increasing local circulation, it causes contraction (cold) and dilation (hot) of the blood vessels in an area. Increased circulation relieves stiffness and pain from trauma and stimulates the healing of injury and wounds during the late stage of healing. First start with hot and finish with cold.
