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7. Heat and Cold Therapy
Using heat or cold packs on painful areas can have profound results, but it’s important to know when and how to use either technique. Generally, heat works better for osteoarthritis, when inflammation is low but stiffness and pain is high: a heating pad, moist compress, or hot bath will dilate blood vessels, encourage blood circulation, and relax muscles in the painful area.
On the other hand, arthritis involving inflammation will respond better to cold treatments, which help to reduce swelling by constricting the blood vessels, and send numbing sensations to intercept pain signals.
Both heat treatments and cold treatments need some time to work their magic – experts recommend 15-minute stretches, a few times throughout the day.
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