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Hot / Cold Therapy

Hot and cold therapy is an effective treatment for a range of minor muscular injuries. Instant Ice Packs turn ice cold in seconds and are ideal for treating acute injuries and help to minimise swelling and bruising. Reusable Hot and Cold Packs are better for treating long term injuries and chronic pains.

Koolpak has been manufacturing Hot & Cold Therapy products since 1993 and has established itself as the UK’s #1 brand.

Instant Ice and Hot Packs are used for treating a wide range of soft tissue injuries, therefore these products must be certified as Class IIa Medical devices and accredited to ISO13485:2016, as required by Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

All Koolpak products are certified Class IIa devices, as required by MHRA. You're using a product that meets the highest medical standards for your well-being.

Unlike many other products on the market, Koolpak medical devices are fully CE compliant.

What is 'PRICE' (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation) Therapy?

For minor injuries such as sprains or strains, the below advice is normally effective for pain relief and recovery. PRICE therapy is suitable for initial treatment of injuries and can be used at home for two-three days after the initial injury. PRICE stands for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Protection

Protecting the area from further injury is extremely important. When we are injured, we will not have our full range of movement which will likely make us a little clumsier. Using a support and being extra careful will ensure that your injury does not get worse.

Rest

Avoiding exercise and reducing your daily physical activity will help speed up your recovery. If you absolutely must move, consider using an aid to make sure you don't put undue pressure on the injury. A walking stick may help for leg injuries and a sling may help for arm and shoulder injuries.

Ice

Applying an ice pack to the injured area for 15 - 20 minutes every 2 - 3 hours will help ease the pain by numbing the nerve endings and help reduce swelling in the area. We recommend Koolpak Instant or Reusable Ice Packs with an Ice Pack Cover to prevent the pack touching your skin which can lead to irritation and ice burn.

Compression

Using an elasticated compression bandage on the injury helps to limit swelling and will ease pain. Compression bandages come in a variety of sizes, so make sure you use one that is the right size. Too small and the bandage could do more harm than good.

Elevation

Keeping the injured body part elevated above the level of your heart will help reduce swelling and help speed up recovery.

When To Use Hot Or Cold Therapy

For relieving muscle pain, loosening stiff joints and relaxing tense areas of the body, try:

Dry Therapies

Heating pads
Dry heating packs
Electric heating wraps

Moist Therapies

Hot tubs
Steamed towels
Moist heating packs

Hot Therapy Properties:

Chronic injuries
Dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow
Removes waste materials from muscles
Back pain, arthritis, stiffness

When To Use Hot Therapy

Muscle Relaxation and Chronic Pain: Heat therapy is effective for relaxing muscles and alleviating chronic pain conditions. Applying heat increases blood flow and oxygen delivery to the affected area, which promotes muscle relaxation and reduces stiffness. This makes heat therapy a valuable tool for managing conditions like chronic back pain or muscle tension.
Pre-Exercise Warm-up: Using heat therapy before physical activity can enhance flexibility and performance. Pre-exercise heat application is shown to positively influence muscle function and range of motion, preparing the body for more strenuous activity.
Joint Stiffness: Heat therapy is particularly beneficial for managing joint stiffness, especially in conditions such as osteoarthritis. By increasing blood circulation and relaxing the surrounding muscles, heat improves joint flexibility and reduces the discomfort associated with stiffness.

For reducing inflammation, numbing sore tissues and minimising tissue damage post-injury, try:

Localised Therapies

Ice packs
Ice massages
Cold compresses

Regional Therapies

Ice baths and cold plunges
Cold showers
Cryotherapy chambers

Cold Therapy Properties:

Acute injuries
Constricts blood vessels to reduce swelling
Numbs pain
Bruises, headaches, swelling

When To Use Cold Therapy

Acute Injuries and Inflammation: Cold therapy is effective immediately after an injury. It helps reduce pain and swelling by constricting blood vessels, limiting blood flow to the affected area, which in turn minimises inflammation. Research consistently supports the use of cold therapy for managing acute injuries, making it a key component of early injury treatment.
Post-Exercise Recovery: Applying cold therapy after intense physical activity can help minimise muscle soreness and accelerate recovery. Studies show that cold-water immersion and similar cold treatments are beneficial in reducing exercise-induced muscle damage, thereby aiding in quicker recovery times.
Migraines and Headaches: Cold therapy, often in the form of cold packs or compresses, can be effective in relieving migraines and tension headaches. Research indicates that cold therapy can help manage headache symptoms by numbing the pain and reducing inflammation in the affected areas.

Hot & Cold Therapy (aka 'Contrast' Therapy)

Contrast therapy involves alternating between hot and cold treatments on a specific area of the body to enhance recovery and overall well-being.

This technique can be applied in various ways, such as switching between hot and cold showers, combining a sauna session with an ice bath, or using a hot pack followed by a cold one.

For optimal results, it’s generally recommended to begin and end with a cold treatment, particularly if you're addressing inflammation and swelling. However, some prefer to conclude with heat to finish on a more relaxing note. The key is to experiment and find the routine that works best for your specific needs.

Benefits:

Contrast therapy combines the advantages of both hot and cold treatments, offering a wide range of benefits, including:

Pain Relief: Eases discomfort in muscles & joints.
Improved Circulation: Enhances blood flow, promoting better oxygen delivery to tissues.
Reduced Inflammation: Helps decrease swelling and inflammation, especially after intense activity.
Accelerated Recovery: Speeds up the healing process, making it an excellent post-exercise routine.
Increased Energy and Mood: Boosts overall energy levels and enhances mood.
Enhanced Mental Clarity: Improves mental sharpness and alertness.
Increased Range of Motion: Helps maintain or improve flexibility and mobility.

When to Use Hot & Cold (Contrast) Therapy

Contrast therapy is particularly beneficial in several scenarios, often offering greater advantages than using heat or cold therapy alone:

Muscle Recovery and Performance Enhancement

This therapy is especially effective for post-exercise recovery. The alternating heat and cold treatments enhance circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and promote faster recovery compared to using just heat or cold therapy on its own.

Inflammatory Conditions and Joint Discomfort

Contrast therapy provides a comprehensive approach to managing inflammatory conditions and chronic joint discomfort. Cold therapy helps reduce immediate swelling, while heat therapy supports long-term joint flexibility and mobility.

Enhanced Circulation and Cardiovascular Support

For those aiming to improve blood circulation and cardiovascular health, contrast therapy offers a unique benefit. The alternating heat and cold cause blood vessels to dilate and constrict, creating a pumping effect that enhances overall circulatory function.

Reduction of Muscle Spasms and Tension

This therapy is also effective in alleviating muscle spasms and tension. The shift between hot and cold temperatures soothes muscle fibres, promoting relaxation and reducing tightness.

Cold Instant

Quick and Convenient Cooling

Instant cold packs are a quick and convenient way to provide the benefits of cold therapy to treat an injury. Instant cold pack ingredients include water and urea that create an endothermic chemical reaction upon mixing. This absorbs heat and reduces temperature rapidly.

Key Product Features & Benefits:

Instant Cooling Relief

Koolpak Instant Cold Packs activate within seconds, delivering fast and effective cooling to help alleviate pain and reduce swelling right when you need it most.

Extended Cooling Duration

Engineered to maintain a cold temperature for an extended period, these packs provide sustained relief for injuries and discomfort without losing their chill quickly.

Multi-Use Convenience

Ideal for a variety of situations, Koolpak is perfect for sports injuries, muscle strains, headaches, and even soothing sunburns and insect bites—any time you need immediate cold therapy.

Portable & Ready Anytime

No need for refrigeration or ice. Koolpak Instant Cold Packs are portable and ready to use straight out of the pack, making them a convenient solution for emergencies, wherever you are.

Medical Grade Certified

Koolpak Instant Cold Packs are certified as Medical Class IIa devices and CE-compliant, ensuring you receive a high standard of safety and effectiveness that not all cold packs on the market can guarantee.

On-the-Go First Aid

Compact and lightweight, Koolpak Instant Cold Packs easily fit into first aid kits, gym bags, and backpacks, ensuring you're always prepared for unexpected injuries or discomfort.

Reliable Pain Management

Whether dealing with sprains, bruises, joint pain, or post-exercise soreness, Koolpak helps in reducing inflammation, providing a quick, soothing response to acute injuries.

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How do instant ice packs work?

Instant ice packs are specifically designed to provide immediate cold relief when activated. They are an essential piece of first aid equipment, ideal for applying to injuries or swollen areas to alleviate pain and minimise further damage.

The liquid bag inside the cold pack is water. Also inside the cold pack are chemical reactants such as ammonium nitrate, urea, or calcium ammonium nitrate. As the two chemicals combine inside the bag, an endothermic reaction quickly takes place, meaning that the pack absorbs heat and begins to feel cold to the touch. The temperature of the solution falls significantly, often close to 0 degrees Celsius, for up to 30 minutes until the chemical reaction is over.

What is an Endothermic Reaction?

Endothermic reactions are chemical processes in which the reactants absorb heat energy from their surroundings, resulting in a cooling effect.

In contrast, exothermic reactions release heat, causing the surrounding area to warm up.

Reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings

In an endothermic reaction, such as in an instant ice pack, heat is absorbed from the environment, lowering the temperature and producing a cooling sensation. This occurs because breaking chemical bonds requires energy input, while forming new bonds generally releases energy. The energy involved in these reactions can take various forms, including heat, light, or electricity.

For instance, when water reacts with the chemical reactant in an instant ice pack, it absorbs heat, leading to a noticeable drop in temperature. Conversely, in exothermic reactions the creation of new bonds releases heat, causing the temperature to rise.

When To Use Cold Therapy

Acute Injuries and Inflammation

Cold therapy is effective immediately after an injury. It helps reduce pain and swelling by constricting blood vessels, limiting blood flow to the affected area, which in turn minimises inflammation. Research consistently supports the use of cold therapy for managing acute injuries, making it a key component of early injury treatment.

Post-Exercise Recovery

Applying cold therapy after intense physical activity can help minimise muscle soreness and accelerate recovery. Studies show that cold-water immersion and similar cold treatments are beneficial in reducing exercise-induced muscle damage, thereby aiding in quicker recovery times.

Migraines and Headaches

Cold therapy, often in the form of cold packs or compresses, can be effective in relieving migraines and tension headaches. Research indicates that cold therapy can help manage headache symptoms by numbing the pain and reducing inflammation in the affected areas.

How long do instant ice/hot packs last?

Most instant ice packs contain a chemical solution that triggers an endothermic reaction, providing cooling relief for up to 30 minutes. In cooler environments, this reaction typically lasts longer, while in warmer conditions, the cooling effect may dissipate more quickly.

Instant hot packs typically provide heat for up to 40 minutes. As with cold packs, the exact duration can vary depending on factors such as the size of the pack, the surrounding temperature, and how well the pack is insulated during use. This time frame is generally sufficient for providing temporary relief from pain, muscle stiffness, or other discomforts.
Can you take instant ice/hot packs on a plane?

Instant ice and hot packs can be safely transported via air travel, but specific rules apply depending on how they are packed. If you are traveling with instant ice packs as part of a personal first aid kit, it is recommended to pack them in your checked (hold) luggage. However, you may be allowed to carry them in your hand luggage if they are medically necessary. For example, if you need them to treat a medical condition, keep medication cool, or preserve food or drink for infants or special dietary needs, you can present the appropriate medical documentation to airport security.

For carry-on approval, instant ice/hot packs must comply with the airline’s liquid restrictions unless they qualify as medically necessary. Gel or liquid ice packs that are partially melted or slushy must also adhere to the 100 ml (3.4 oz) liquid rule unless exempt due to medical reasons. Always notify security officers if you are carrying these items for medical purposes, as their final decision will depend on the documentation you provide. Without proper justification, instant ice packs are typically not permitted in hand luggage.
Can instant ice/hot packs be reused?

Instant ice packs are designed for single use and should be disposed of safely after activation. As the name implies, they provide immediate cooling upon being activated. The endothermic reaction that occurs when the internal chemicals are combined typically lasts up to 30 minutes. However, once this reaction is finished, the pack cannot be reactivated or reused.
Do instant ice/hot packs expire?

Instant ice packs have a limited shelf life due to the chemicals inside. When stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, they generally last for 18–24 months. It is recommended not to use instant ice packs beyond their expiration date and to dispose of them properly once expired.
How do you dispose of instant ice/hot packs?

Koolpak Instant Ice Packs are designed for single use, providing quick and effective cooling relief for injuries on the go. Once used, these disposable packs should be discarded according to local waste disposal guidelines, as they are not recyclable. It's important to keep both used and unused ice packs out of the reach of small children to prevent accidental exposure.

When disposing of the pack, take care not to puncture the bag, as the liquid inside can create a mess if it leaks.

How to use instant ice pack products the most effectively

Instant ice packs are particularly effective for soothing pain, reducing swelling, and minimising tissue damage when applied promptly after an injury.

Maximising the effectiveness of instant ice packs requires proper usage within the framework of cold therapy – or cryotherapy.

To achieve the best results, combine the use of ice packs with the PRICE therapy protocol: