Hot / Cold Therapy Buying Guide

Ease aching muscles and joints wherever they strike — back, neck, knee, hands, feet — with hot- and cold-therapy products. From standard heating pads to hot / cold wraps designed to fit specific parts of the body, a change in temperature may be just what you need to feel better fast. Some healthcare practitioners recommend alternating hot and cold therapies for optimal results and pain relief; as always, talk with your doctor for advice on your specific needs.

Hot/cold therapy can also be helpful when fighting the cold or flu. Got the chills? Fever? Sinus pressure? Warm up your muscles, cool off your fever, and relieve pain with helpful products, such as reusable heat wraps and pads, cold compresses and sinus masks, and warming mittens and socks.

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Tips for Buying Hot / Cold Therapy Products

1. Consider what your body needs. Decide if a multi-use pad, pack, or wrap will work, or if you need one designed to fit a specific part of the body, like your knee or back. Having standard heating pads and cold packs on hand is a good idea for general injuries and illnesses; purchase specific ones if and when you need them. Generally, cold is used to reduce swelling after an injury, while warmth is typically used later on to soothe stiffness and tightness; but discuss the best treatments for your problem areas with your doctor.
2. Effectiveness and safety. Pay attention to how long a hot / cold therapy product claims to hold a certain temperature so you know what to expect. Plug-in heating pads can have the opposite issue if left on by accident, though some feature an automatic shut-off to prevent overuse. Most hot- and cold-therapy products clearly list on the label how long they can safely be applied.
3. Heating pad options. If you’ll be using your heating pad often, or if you have a more complex set of symptoms, consider getting a pad with special features like programmable settings, massage and the ability to generate both dry and moist heat. Some pads are flexible and can be attached to your body so you can stay mobile.
4. Taking therapy on the road. Many reusable hot / cold packs and wraps can be microwaved or frozen ahead of time and brought along with you. Disposable versions — some with adhesive so you can apply directly to the source of pain — are a better option if you’ll need hot/cold therapy when you don’t have access to a freezer or microwave.
5. Steam your sinuses. A warm steam inhaler can ease painful sinus congestion and moisturize nasal passages. Humidifiers are another great option, available in both cool and warm mist.
6. Talk with your doctor. You should have injuries checked by a doctor before beginning treatment. And if everyday aches and pains persist for several days and do not improve with the use of over-the-counter medications and aids, contact your doctor for help.

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Read Other Cold, Cough, & Flu Buying Guides

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications or other treatments.