1426 North Clayton Street

Wilmington, DE, 19806

Phone: 302-595-3030

Fax: 302-595-3032


The Spine Group Wilmington, DE hot and cold therapy

Hot and Cold Therapy

Applying heat to your tissues increases the blood circulation. Blood drawn into the target tissues delivers needed oxygen and nutrients and removes cell wastes. The warmth decreases muscle spasm, relaxes tense muscles, relieves pain, and can increase range of motion. Heat therapy is commonly used to treat discomforts such as stiff neck, muscle tension and spasm, muscle strains, sprains (about 48 hours after the injury) and more.


Applying cold to your tissue results in the narrowing of your blood vessels (vasoconstriction). Slowing the blood flow and other fluids into the injured tissue reduces swelling, muscle spasm, pain and inflammation. Cold therapy is commonly used to treat discomforts such as joint sprains (the first 48 hours), bruises, black & blue marks, swelling, fever, sunburns and more.