Unfortunately, having pain from time to time is part of being human. Most pain goes away on it’s own after some rest, or responds to over-the-counter pain relievers. However, chronic pain is pain that lasts for three months or longer, and it can severely impact your physical and mental health and well-being
At Paragon Integrated Medical, we have the experience and treatment options to treat pain and improve your quality of life. Led by highly skilled and respected chiropractor Patrick Connolly, DC, our practice provides customized care for patients experiencing pain from a number of conditions. Dr. Connolly and his staff provide cutting-edge, effective treatment options in a safe and comfortable medical environment.
What is hot and cold therapy?
Hot and cold therapy is a treatment option that can be used to relieve chronic pain. It uses the application of hot and cold packs to an area of pain or injury to reduce discomfort while allowing the body to do what it needs to do in order to effectively heal the injury.
How does hot and cold therapy work?
Chronic pain is typically caused by the swelling and inflammation of tissues as the body fights off infection and tries to heal itself. Hot and cold therapy is a treatment to allow the body to heal itself while relieving your pain.
Cold therapy
The application of cold to the injured or painful area can be used to reduce the inflammation and swelling. The cold reduces the flow of blood into the area, along with any chemicals that are contributing to the inflammation and resulting pain. It also decreases the conduction of pain impulses through your nerves in the affected area.
The cold therapy provides you with relief from your discomfort and keeps the swelling and inflammation from getting out of control. The cold can be applied using a pack of ice, or a special chemical cold pack, whichever is most comfortable for you.
Hot therapy
The application of heat to the painful or injured area of your body enlarges your blood vessels, increasing blood circulation to that area. It can provide relaxation through relief of tension. It supports healing by allowing more blood to flow to the area, bringing extra oxygen and nutrients which are necessary for repairing damaged tissues.
Depending on the exact nature of your pain or injury, Dr. Connolly develops a treatment plan to address your discomfort while providing healing of your condition. He determines whether hot and cold therapy can help you, and the best way to apply them for maximum effect.
Chronic pain can be severely debilitating and negatively impact your quality of life. To learn more about hot and cold therapy or our other pain management treatment options, call our office or use our online booking system.