eli5: what is the difference between putting heat vs cold on muscles?
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Heat causes blood vessels to expand increasing blood flow to the area.
Cold causes blood vessels to contract reducing blood flow.
If you have an injury with swelling cold is beneficial because it reduces fluid in the injured area which helps to reduce pain.
If you have stiff muscles or joints heat helps the muscles to relax as well as promotes increased blood flow.
The typical advice is to alternate the two at 15-20 minute intervals.
A cloth or towel should be placed between a heat or cold pack and bare skin to avoid burns or frostbite.
Heat therapy can be a useful tool for relieving muscle stiffness and soreness, especially after exercising or engaging in physical activity. By increasing blood flow to the muscles, heat therapy can improve circulation and help to promote healing.
On the other hand, cold therapy can be helpful in reducing inflammation and swelling, particularly in the early stages of an injury. Cold can numb pain receptors and reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow to the affected area.
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