Fire and Ice

Most of us are familiar with the concept of using heat or ice to combat our aches and pains.   What if you don’t have a heating pad or an ice pack handy, though?  Here are some easy ways to get around that.

*Please note: Be sure to apply your Sore No More after heating or icing an area, as some of the ingredients can cause intense tingling, burning, or coldness when extreme temperatures are applied. *

Heat it Up!
Heat should be applied to loosen a muscle.  Say you’ve had a stressful day at the office and you have knots in your shoulders.  This would be a good time to apply heat.

• Make your own heat pack: Fill a (clean) sock with uncooked rice or beans and then tie a knot at the open end.  Microwave for 1 minute, or until warm.  Apply to affected area.  (Note: this can become VERY warm, remove from microwave with caution and let cool before applying to skin if it’s too hot.)
• A hot bath.   Did you know that moist heat will actually penetrate the muscle better than dry heat?  Indulge in a hot bath with Epsom salts and Sore No More!  (In this instance, Sore No More may be used in conjunction with the application of heat.)
• Don’t have a tub?  Use a hot wash cloth.  Either run a wash cloth under hot water and ring it out, or microwave a moistened wash cloth for 20 seconds (longer if needed.)  Using this method, you'll want to reheat and apply 2-3 times.

Cool it Down!
Ice should be applied in the case of inflammation.  If you’ve pulled a muscle, or your joints are swollen, ice is the way to go.

• Make your own ice pack.  Following these directions, or you can try this out.
• Immersion.  Like heat, ice can be more effective moist.   Fill an appropriate sized container with ice and water and then immerse the problem area.  (This works best with extremities.)
• Ice Massage.  Perhaps the simplest of all- grab and ice cube and spend five minutes rubbing it over the affected area.  When the area becomes numb, discontinue use.

(Please Note: Ice should never be applied for more than 10 minutes when using an ice pack and never for more than 3-5 when using direct application.)

Don’t forget- contrast therapy can also be very helpful.  

Once you’ve applied heat or ice, you can apply some Sore No More and continue with your day or enjoy a good night’s rest!

*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. * Sore No More 150 East Center Street Moab, Utah 84532 Tel: (435) 259-5931 Toll Free: (800) 842-6622 www.sorenomore.com