eli5: How can both heat and cold help achy bones/muscles?

Question

I mean they’re opposites so how do a warm bath and an icepack seemingly have the same affect on sore muscles or other injuries?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Answer: they only seem to have the same effect when in reality they are really effecting two different things. The warm water causes the muscles to relax by increasing blood flow. Cold treatment does the opposite it reduces blood flow and in turn inflamation here is a rather good article for you.

https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-pain/treating-pain-with-heat-and-cold#cold-therapy