Table of contents:
- How do warm compresses work?
- When and how to do warm compresses?
- How does a cold compress work?
- When and how to do a cold compress?
- Conclusion
Pain is a condition that is very unpleasant for most of the people. In addition to drugs, people who are experiencing pain will certainly make various efforts to reduce the intensity of their pain. Cold and warm compresses are two types of methods that are easy and most often used to relieve these complaints. However, do you know when is the right time to use a warm compress and when is the right time to use a cold compress? What are the benefits of each of these compress methods? Under what circumstances should you not use warm compresses?
How do warm compresses work?
Warm temperatures can dilate blood vessels so that blood flow and oxygen supply can more easily reach the affected area. This will help relax the muscles and reduce pain. The warm temperature will also reduce stiffness and increase the range of motion of the painful body part.
When and how to do warm compresses?
Warm compresses can be given through a towel soaked in warm water, a bottle filled with warm water, or a heating pad specially designed for compressing. The temperature used for compressing must be considered so that it is not too hot. The recommended temperature for warm compresses is around 40-50 degrees C. Make it a habit not to compress for more than 20 minutes, unless your doctor advises you to. Also, make sure you don't put the heat source directly on your skin as this can cause burns or irritation.
Warm compresses are commonly used to relieve chronic muscle or joint pain. In addition, warm compresses are also a great method to reduce fever. Dilated blood vessels due to warm temperatures can help make it easier to expel heat from the body. Although it is used to reduce pain, it should be noted that warm compresses are not recommended for use on new wounds or for less than 48 hours because they will worsen the condition of the wound due to fluid buildup at the injured site and increase pain. Warm compresses should also not be used on open wounds and wounds that still look swollen.
How does a cold compress work?
Cold compresses are usually used on swollen or bruised areas. In contrast to warm compresses, on cold compresses, low temperatures can stimulate narrowing of the artery diameter and slow blood flow to the injury site. In the injured area, there is an inflammatory process and damage to the blood vessels which will cause the blood cells to leave the blood vessels and cause the skin to turn bluish red. Ice or cold water can reduce the amount of blood that is lost. This reduction in blood flow results in less inflammatory stimulants moving toward the injury site, which can reduce swelling and pain.
When and how to do a cold compress?
Cold compresses are usually used within 24 to 48 hours of injury in order to minimize inflammation. This method is best used for sports injuries such as sprains, bumps, or bruises. Wrap the compress first with a towel so that the cold temperature does not touch the skin directly. As with warm compresses, you should not apply the cold compress for more than 20 minutes. Remove the compress after 20 minutes, and give it a break for 10 minutes before starting to compress again.
Conclusion
Cold compresses and warm compresses have their respective benefits. Cold compresses are more suitable for new injuries (between 24-48 hours), while warm compresses are very useful for relieving pain that has been prolonged (chronic). Although the benefits differ, in principle, the way to apply these two methods is almost the same.
It is important that you avoid temperatures that are too extreme (too high or too low), also avoid direct contact between the skin and sources of heat or cold temperatures. Finally, of course be wise in choosing the compress method that is right for your condition.
