Hot or cold treatment for an injury?

[MichelleHW101]

I just got a hot/cold gel wrap because the nurse that did my flu shot left my arms sore and hurting for days.  Besides that it was red and swollen.  The package says when to use the hot and when to use the cold.  I generally prefer cold (which is what I used on my arm) but I understand hot does different things to the muscles that cold.

[marcar1008]

cold for swelling hot for pain.

[kapeh12]

In general, if the pain is due to inflammation (swelling), you want to use cold compresses.  Also if you are suffering from a burn, you want to use cold compresses.  For burns, a cold compress or cold water submersion is better than ice as ice may be too cold.  The trick with a burn is to keep the cold applied until the burning sensation stops (this trick also works for sunburns too).

If the pain is due to strains, knots or stiffness - after icing to reduce any inflammation, then use heat to relax/loosen the muscles.

[35klye]

alternate the hot and cold