Pain Relief Products, Topical Cooling Gels

What is the Best Pain Relief?

The best pain relief depends on the type and cause of the pain experienced. For some people, over-the-counter pain relievers may be the best option for temporary pain treatment. For others, natural cures may be effective methods of pain relief. If using an over-the-counter pain reliever, determine if it is necessary to use a topical treatment or to take an oral pain reliever. Topical pain relievers can be effective against pain from skin abrasions or toothaches, for example. No matter what type is used, be sure to follow all of the package directions carefully.

If muscles are sore from repetitive motion or a workout, many find sufficient pain relief by taking a hot shower or soaking in a warm bath since the heat relaxes tense muscles. Always stretch, warm up, and cool down before and after exercising to help prevent muscle pain and injury. Headaches can also be difficult to manage, and they can be persistent. Because many headaches originate from stress and tension, it may help to do some simple stretches, take some deep breaths, or take a short break and go for a walk. If the headache is a migraine, it may be necessary to rest in a dark room to help alleviate pain and light sensitivity.

Pain Relief Gels

There are many uses for a topical pain relief gel, including relief from burns, scrapes and cuts. Other common uses for pain relief gels are to reduce arthritis pain and other inflammatory joint pain, or to relieve pain due to muscle sprains and strains. Toothache pain and canker sores of the mouth and gums can be relieved by certain types of gels.

Topical pain relief products can come in a variety of forms, such as ointments, balms and gels. Whichever form is used, this medicinal product contains ingredients to provide temporary relief from discomfort associated with a variety of conditions. Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis sometimes find it helpful to use a gel along with an anti-inflammatory drug to control symptoms.

Many who suffer from tendinitis find relief in a pain relief ointment. Tendinitis is a condition in which muscles and tendons become inflamed and stretched, normally from overusing a particular joint. Many individuals who massage a pain relief ointment into the affected area find relief. This is due to the effects of the active ingredients in most pain relief creams. Because of the active ingredients found in most gels, they can be used for muscle strains due to overexertion. The massaging action of applying the gel also provides some comfort. The gel is additionally efficacious for pulled ligaments and sprained ankles.

What are the Benefits of Moist Heat?

Moist heat therapy is a treatment that involves applying water and heat to an affected area in order to bring relief from the aches and pains caused by tendon injury, sports injury, muscle injury, sore muscles, muscle strain, and painful joints. It is also helpful in treating conditions such as bursitis, arthritis and migraines. Moist heat helps to increase circulation, which in turn can bring about relaxation in the muscles, joints and soft tissue, leading to pain relief and possibly speeding up the healing process.

The moist heat temperature should be comfortably warm, and not boiling hot to ensure there is no risk of burning the skin. The application should preferably be restricted to a length of about 15 to 30 minutes. If additional moist heat treatment is needed, it should be done in intervals, allowing the tissues, skin and muscles to cool down in between. The treatment should be stopped for a while if there is a persistent redness in the skin. There are no issues of developing any dry skin problems from using moist heat applications because it does not draw moisture from the skin.

What is a Pain Patch?

A pain patch is a type of disposable adhesive patch that is applied directly to the skin for the purpose of relieving mild or moderate pain, such as from a muscle strain. Some patches use heat to relieve pain, while others use a topical pain reliever and are labeled “medicated”. Any pain patches can be effective and it mainly depends on personal preference. They are available in different sizes and can treat many areas of the body, such as the back, muscles or joints.

For those who are experiencing pain because of tired or sore muscles, or do not want to apply medication topically to the skin, a pain patch that heats up when applied to the skin can be the best choice. This type helps to relax the muscles, and many find that the patch makes a difference in the level of pain rather quickly. A pain patch that is combined with a pain relieving pill can be especially effective.

Some pain patches will use a combination of heat and medication to relax the muscles and relieve pain. Several types of patches will typically be effective for a few hours before it will be necessary to apply a new patch, but others are designed to last all day. To avoid causing skin irritation, it is important to follow the directions and remove the patch when instructed. If the pain persists and does not seem to be healing, a visit to a doctor may be necessary to ensure there is no actual injury present.

What is an Ice Massage?

An ice massage is a treatment process used to help minimize tissue damage and bring relief to inflamed tendons, muscle tissues and ligaments. This type of treatment is good for dealing with discomfort and pain caused by muscle strains, as well as any swelling that happens after an injury. Ice massage can be used as part of an overall treatment plan, or used as a sole treatment, depending on the extent of the damaged muscle tissue.

The ice massage should be applied as soon after the injury as possible in order to achieve the maximum benefit. This allows the cold to begin calming the inflamed tissue, and minimizes the potential for swelling. Since it slows circulation while the cold is applied, it helps to speed up the healing process. The rush of blood back into the area once the cold is removed brings in a wave of nutrients that helps begin to heal the damage immediately.

Rehabmart is pleased to carry a wide variety of efficacious pain relief products from top quality vendors encompassing North Coast, Bionix Medical Technologies, Fabrication Enterprises, Pedia Pals, Mettler Electronics, Bird & Cronin Inc. and Jadience.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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