When to Use Heat
Use heat to relax stiff muscles and increase circulation. Avoid using heat when there is swelling. After swelling has gone down, use heat to regain flexibility.
Check out the Mayo Clinic or the National Institutes for Health for more information on your specific conditions or needs.
Why MOIST heat?
Moist heat penetrates more deeply into muscles, joints and soft tissue for better pain relief; dry heat leaves skin dehydrated because it draws moisture out. Moist heat therapy is one of the most effective alternatives to pain medication. For more information visit Spine-Health.
When to Use Ice
The general rule of thumb is to use ice when you need to reduce swelling and ease pain. Many doctors will recommend icing to help reduce inflammation from injuries, surgeries, or from sprains and strains. Consult a physician regarding severe pain and injuries.
Use a cold pack for no more than 10 to 20 minute sessions, allowing the skin to return to normal temperature in between each session - about one hour. Do not place ice directly on the skin.
Usually icing is recommended during the first 48 hours after an injury or surgery. Consult your physician for instructions after surgery or after an injury that requires professional medical treatment.
Maine Warmers ice packs are filled with whole corn and do not get as cold as a bag of ice or frozen peas because the water content of the whole corn is significantly reduced. Whole corn has been dried about 70%. The whole corn ice pack may feel more comfortable than ice cubes or peas. Check with your physician to make sure our corn ice packs are effective enough.
Our Mainely Ice pack has a soft flannel cover to hold a bag of frozen peas, which can be attached around the knee or elbow with its Velcro strap. It also comes with a bag of corn that may be frozen for gentle ice or microwaved for moist heat.
Updated MAY 2013
Maine Warmers®
888-835-7485 | PO Box 6476, Scarborough, ME 04070-6476
8 AM - 6 PM Monday through Friday
Eastern Time