When do you use what?

You've probably experienced it before: an intensive sports session and suddenly your calf, knee, shoulder or another body part is difficult. In that case you can go in two directions. Or you choose heat therapy. Or for cold therapy. It is important to treat your injury correctly. But which temperature works for which injury?

Hot vs. cold

Heat creates more space in the blood vessels.

The result? Increased blood flow. Oxygen and nutrients find their way through our body more quickly. And that in turn ensures optimal flexibility and mobility of joints and muscles.

The other side of the story: cold narrows dilated blood vessels and reduces blood transport. This reduces the pain and reduces the swelling faster during the first 72 hours after the injury.

Heat therapy: do's and don'ts

Warmed muscles bring some benefits.

Your muscle fibers relax, which reduces muscle tension. In other words: you become more flexible again. A reduction in synovial fluid reduces resistance in your joint zones. Your pain decreases. Enough reasons to try heat therapy. But only in the following three situations:

• for persistent joint pain and stiffness caused by arthritis in chronic conditions;
• from 72 hours after sustaining an injury (after the acute phase);
• before warming up during exercise.

It is better to opt for a different treatment in these cases:

• in the 72 hours after sustaining an injury (during the acute phase): in case of sprains, strains, knee injuries, fractures or dislocations;
• open wounds;
• if you suffer from problematic blood circulation.

Cold therapy: do's and don'ts

Cold treatment of an injury drastically reduces swelling, reducing pain intensity. Cooled muscles and bloodstreams also work wonders for inflammation. In this way, pain stimuli in the nerve pathways become anesthetized and cramps and muscle tension decrease.

Cold is useful for recently sustained injuries such as:

• Growing pains : caused by pressure due to differences in the growth rate of muscles and joints;
• overload : due to repeated execution of (too) heavy actions during a certain movement;
• bruises : in case of a subcutaneous tear of a blood vessel;
• sprains : due to overstretching of ligaments.

It is best not to use cold therapy in these cases:

• treatment of chronic conditions;
• open wounds;
• before exercise: you increase the risk of muscle and/or tendon strains.

Hot and cold packs: two birds with one stone

At Révvi we don't make it more difficult than it is!
Warming muscles and other body parts? Or just cool your muscles and let them recover?
Our multifunctional hot and cold packs are the perfect solution. They are reusable, comfortable and conform to the shape of your body. The high quality of the packs ensures a long lifespan. Cooling is done in the freezer, heating in the microwave or with hot water. Once the pack reaches your preferred temperature, you can continue for twenty to thirty minutes. Use a thin layer of fabric, a towel or piece of clothing for example, between your skin and the pack. Then you prevent the risk of new wounds!

Knowing more? Then consult the database on our website .