Hot/Cold Therapy
When an athlete is injured, whether to use "hot" ot "cold" therapy is always an issue. Both methods have their benefits.
Lets begin with the effects of cold therapy. An important factor in the long term recovery of an athlete, is the fast application of ice or similar product. As far as the relief of pain for the injury, the reason is not completely clear, but many theories include:
- A decreased nerve transmission in pain fibres
- Cold reduces the activity of free nerve endings
- Cold raises the pain threshold
- Cold causes a release of endorphins
- Cold sensations over-ride the pain sensation - known as the pain gate theory
What we do know for certain about cold therapy, it reduces bleeding and swelling, reduces muscle spasm and decreases the metabolic rate.
There aare many ways of applying cold therapy to the injured athlete. Homerunmonkey offer a good selection of effective applications including Mueller Coolant Cold Spray, Mueller 9" Ice Bagand the Mueller Kold Instant Cold Pack--priced at only, you can never have too many of these.
Most athletes know when to apply ice packs, and that immediate treatment is best to reduce swelling and pain, but aren't really sure when to use heat therapy. Injuries that have no swelling or inflammation, sore or stiff muscle/joint pain, is when you want to use heat. Heat is also good to relax tight muscles or muscle spasms. Heat is also good before exercise to stimulate the blood flow and increase elasticity of connective tissue. Don't apply heat after exercise however, ice would be a bettter choice.
Homerunmonkey stocks a good selection of heat therapy applications including Mueller Hot Stuff Jar,and Mueller Hot Stuff Tube. These are items that you will want to keep on hand.
Homerunmonkey offers some excellent choices for body heat/ice wraps.
These Hot/Cold Therapy products and more are available online at homerunmonkey.com. Find everything you need for Baseball, Hockey, and Lacrosse, with a savings of 20-70% everyday!
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