Thermotherapy

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints. Heat and cold therapies are two non-invasive and inexpensive methods that can help manage the pain of osteoarthritis.

Heat therapy can help relax muscles and increase blood flow to the affected area, which can reduce pain and
stiffness. Heat therapy can be applied using a heating pad, topical heat cream, hot shower, or hot pack, and can be done 2-3 times a day for 20-30 minutes.

Cold therapy can reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain related to arthritis and activity. Cold therapy can be applied using a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel and can be done for 15-20 minutes at a time. Cold therapy is recommended for certain types of arthritis that cause painful inflammation flares, such as gout and pseudogout.

Hot and Cold Therapies Explained

Treating pain, inflammation and injury with hot and cold therapies can be extremely effective and affordable. However, it’s important to know which situations call for hot, which call for cold and which may benefit from both treatments. Importantly, this kind of therapy is very good for arthritis and can help ease pain and stiffness that comes with the condition.