By Sushant Agarwal
Published on | Oct 31, 2025
Body aches? Should you reach for an ice pack or a hot compress? Let’s break it down.
Also called cryotherapy, it uses ice or cold packs to reduce inflammation, swelling, and numb pain.
Heat therapy uses warm compresses, heating pads, or warm baths to relax muscles and increase blood flow.
Sudden injuries | Sprains or strains | Swelling or bruising. Cold constricts blood vessels, slowing inflammation.
Muscle stiffness | Chronic pain | Tension or soreness. Heat relaxes tight muscles and improves circulation.
Reduces swelling | Numbs sharp pain | Slows tissue damage after injury
Relieves stiffness | Improves flexibility | Promotes healing in chronic muscle pain
Acute injury? Go cold first. Muscle tension or old aches? Go hot. Some conditions may benefit from alternating cold & hot.
Don’t apply ice directly to skin — wrap in a cloth. Don’t overheat — avoid burns. Limit sessions to 15–20 minutes.
Your body knows best — try cold or hot based on your pain type. Combine with rest, gentle movement, and professional advice.