Hot vs Cold

“When your muscles need a little TLC after a strenuous gym work out, it is important to know what you are applying and why,” says Odette Vass, brand manager for OsteoEze®. “Making the right choice between a hot ointment and a cold ointment can be the difference between easing the pain, and staying in pain.”

Hot vs Cold? What IS the difference?
Many people look to heat therapy and cold therapy when easing their aching muscles – such as taking a hot bath, or placing a bag of frozen peas on the affected area. Hot and cold ointments work in a similar way but on a smaller scale.natnews_oeartimg1_novdec17v2

Hot ointments tend to provide immediate heat to the area, especially those that contain Capsaicin (which is the chemical that make peppers hot) as it causes a burning sensation, distracting the mind from the pain felt in the muscles, and helping to ensure quick relief. These ointments work well on joints that are closer to the surface such as your knees, fingers and elbows, as well as your muscles.

We often see people applying something cold to a stressed and sore area as it helps to reduce swelling and discomfort. Cold ointments often contain ingredients such as menthol and camphor creating a cooling effect, which helps to provide fast pain relief to the muscles affected.

OsteoEze® offers both hot and cold topical ointment options – OsteoEze® Rub, and OsteoFREEZE gel. A hot ointment such as OsteoEze® Rub, which contains Capsaicin is a great option when it comes to temporarily easing aching joints and muscles, and providing relief for minor aches and pains, while OsteoFREEZE gel contains Arnica to help reduce tenderness and Menthol to create a cold soothing effect on the inflamed area, providing a temporary relief to sore and tired muscles.