Recover Ritual

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Hot & Cold Therapy

Use cold for a fresh injury with swelling and heat for stiffness or chronic tightness — that single rule covers most of what people need to decide. Cold constricts blood vessels and dulls pain in the first 48 hours; heat increases blood flow and relaxes muscle that has been tight for days.

This collection holds 46 reusable gel packs, hot and cold wraps, ice bags and targeted sleeves for knees, backs, shoulders and eyes.

Heat or ice: a simple decision table

Situation Use How long
New sprain or strain, swollen Cold 15–20 min, every 2–3 hrs, first 48 hrs
Bruise or impact Cold 15–20 min
Stiff back or neck in the morning Heat 15–20 min
Chronic tight muscle Heat 20 min before activity
Post-workout soreness, no swelling Heat 20 min
Flare-up of an old injury with swelling Cold 15–20 min

Frequently asked questions

How long should I ice an injury?

15 to 20 minutes at a time, with at least two hours between applications, for the first 48 hours. Longer does not help and risks skin damage.

Should I put ice directly on skin?

No. Always use a cloth or the fabric cover supplied with the pack. Direct contact with a frozen gel pack can cause an ice burn within minutes.

Can I alternate heat and cold?

Contrast therapy — alternating a few minutes of each — is commonly used for stiffness and general recovery. Do not use heat on a fresh, swollen injury; it increases blood flow to an area you are trying to settle.

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