Hot & Cold Ways to Combat Muscle Soreness

For quite a while now it has been common knowledge that hot and cold therapy can be used to treat swelling, inflammation, and soreness. Knowing which treatment to use in certain situations, however, can be where some people get confused. With the boom of fitness culture, people across the world are looking for more efficient ways to not only workout but recover as well. In fact, the most recent academic articles regarding muscle growth state that recovery is essential to make progress in the gym. With this newfound knowledge, athletes and influencers alike have both been searching for ways to rest properly, using both hot and cold therapy to repair muscle tissue and grow muscles faster.

         Cold therapy, or cryotherapy, simply refers to the application of something cold to a targeted area. This could include something as simple as a cold compress or ice bath, or the more complex, newer treatment of nitrogen gas chambers. The idea behind these types of treatments is to slow the blood flow, reducing pain and inflammation in the targeted areas. Conversely, heat therapy improves blood flow, aiming to reduce pain, relieve muscle tightness, and improve mobility. Applications of this method include saunas, warm compresses, and steamed towels. Cupping and hot stones are also forms of heat therapy we offer here at Futureproof. Coupled with a massage, this is a great way to relieve any tension or muscle soreness you are experiencing from the gym, work, or anything giving you stress. Book with us today!