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HYDROCOLLATION- also knon as moist heat
Hydrocollation is the application of moist heat to the damaged tissues. This is accomplished with hot packs, wet warm towels, hot bath or Jacuzzi, and moist heating pads.
When purchasing a heating pad for home use look for “moist heat” or “hydrocollator” on the box--- dry heating pads fatigue the muscles and do not heat as deeply.
HOW HYDROCOLLATION WORKS:
Moist heat is very relaxing and soothing and calms muscle spasm and irritation. The warm temperature will increase circulation of fresh blood to promote healing, and can improve range of motion and flexibility.
Moist heat is helpful before or after stretching or yoga, exercise, sports, massage or chiropractic treatment.
Always consult a health care professional before self-administering any therapy. However, when in doubt, first use ice. Then call your doctor.
Avoid heat during the acute stage, for the first 48 hours after any injury, or if swelling and inflammation is present.
Use ICE instead. Lowering the temperature of an injured area constricts blood vessels, reducing further swelling which also eases pain caused by swelling.
Moist heat is relaxing and can temporarily relieve painful symptoms.
Moist heat relaxes muscle spasm and surrounding tissues, dilates blood vessels to increase circulation to speed healing and temporarily relieves painful symptoms.
At the first sign of a muscle spasm, stop your activity and try stretching and massaging the affected muscle. Moist heat will relax the muscle at first, although ICE may be helpful after the initial spasm and pain has improved.
BENEFITS OF HYDROCOLLATION:
Everyone has access to moist heat (wet hot towels), and moist heating pads (hydrocollators) are inexpensive and available at drug and department stores.
You can apply it yourself, virtually free.
Moist heat relaxes muscle tension
Increases circulation for fresh blood flow
Reduces joint stiffness
Makes exercise, stretching, massage and rehabilitative therapy more successful and comfortable
Reduces pain and swelling
CONTRAST TEMPERATURE THERAPY:
After the initial acute stage of injury (usually the first 48 hours when only ICE is used ) switching back and forth between ice and moist heat will further increase healing and pain relief. Heat relaxes muscle spasm and increases circulation. Cold reduces swelling and pain.
Apply cold for 15 minutes – rest 15 minutes – then use moist heat for 15 minutes. Some people prefer to reverse the heat vs. cold, because it feels better. Try it each way to your preference.
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