When to use it?
Heat is a great way to loosen stiff joints and tight muscles. It is also a great way to ease the pain of tension headaches and other chronic conditions. Always wait 48-72 hours after being injured before considering heat therapy. When in doubt, use cold therapy first.

Safety Tips

• Treat for no longer than 20 minutes at a time.
• Do not fall asleep on a hot pack, because you could burn yourself.
• Do not use heat if you have no feeling in the affected body part.
• Never use heat if there is swelling or bruising.
• Do not apply heat directly to the skin – use a thin towel as a buffer.
• Do not use heat if you have poor circulation, such as if you have diabetes.
• Wait 1 hour between heat treatments.

When to use it?
Cold therapy should be used right after an injury or after activity that aggravates a chronic condition. It is also great for migraine headaches, bruising, and sprains / strains that may occur with sports, slips & falls, and lifting. Cold therapy is also beneficial for minor burns by applying cold water from the faucet. When in doubt, use cold therapy.

Safety Tips

• Treat for no longer than 20 minutes at a time.
• During treatment, check skin every 5 minutes to make sure there is no damage, such as freeze burn (skin would become reddened or blistered, just as when burned with heat).
• Do not apply cold directly to the skin – use a thin towel.
• Wait 1 hour between cold treatments.