Hot or Cold?
Are you unsure whether to apply hot or cold to an injury or sore muscle? Typically cold compress or Heat Massage
- The moisture involved in heat massagers relaxes muscles and enhances circulation, which speeds repair of injury and/or tender muscles and tissue.
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Heat massage expands the blood vessels which increases the flow of oxygen. With the blood vessels dilated, healing nutrients along with oxygen are able to more quickly make their way to muscle making for a quicker recovery.
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The use of heat with massage strengthens the tissues and muscles it is aimed at.
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Heat massage is easy to carry out and can be derived from various sources. Hot rocks are one inexpensive, yet effective way to directly introduce heat into a massage. Other techniques involve pre-heating or priming an area with a warm pack like a heating pad or hot water bottle and then massaging the already warm spot.
Safety Measures
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Be careful not to allow the skin to be burned.
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Sometimes, in cases of high heat or prolonged exposure, a shield or barrier should be used to protect the skin. A towel or other fabric is a good tool to use.
