Heres a quick list of the questions. Click on the questions link to see more about that question.
Can I microwave the cold pack to use for hot therapy?
Can I the hot pack to use for cold therapy?
How long do I need to leave the cold pack in the freezer?
How often can I use the cold pack?
The cold pack feels too cold right out of the freezer. What should I do?
Why does my cold pack have an odor from being in the freezer?
Can I re-use the instant cold pack?
Hot or Cold... When and Why?
What happens when I injure my body or experience pain?
Do I apply heat or cold to an injury?
So when do I apply heat to an injury?
How can Thera-Med help me?

Can I microwave the Cold Pack to use for hot therapy?
No. Unless the pack is a hot/cold pack, like the "deluxe". The Thera-Med Cold Packs by it's self are orthopedically designed with a proprietary vinyl pouch that helps deliver cold therapy deep into the muscle and injured tissue. For the best hot therapy product on the market, see our Thera-Med Universal Hot Pack or our Deluxe Hot/Cold Pack.

Can I freeze the Hot Pack to use for cold therapy?
No. Unless the pack is a hot/cold pack, like the "deluxe". The Thera-Med Hot Pack by it's self is specially designed to deliver the most effective hot therapy; utilizing a protective red pouch and a unique gel. For the best cold therapy product on the market, see our Thera-Med Cold Packs.

How long do I need to leave the Cold Pack in the freezer?
At least 2 hours before the first use. And always store the Cold Pack in the freezer between uses. We also suggest storing the Cold Pack in a plastic storage bag or ziplock bag to keep freezer odors away.

How often can I use the Cold Pack?
Doctors recommend up to 20 minutes of cold therapy, every two hours.

The Cold Pack feels too cold right out of the freezer. What should I do?
Use a regular paper or cloth towel for the first 5 minutes of treatment. Then remove the towel to allow the pouch direct contact with the skin for the deepest penetration of the cold therapy.

Why does my Cold Pack have an odor from being in the freezer?
Just like a box of baking soda, the Cold Pack may absorb freezer odors. Wash it in the sink with dishwashing soap and keep it stored in the freezer in a Ziploc bag.

Can I re-use the Instant Cold Pack?
No. The instant cold packs are designed for one time use only. Once activated and used. Throw the pack away. Never put it in the freezer to use it again.

Hot or Cold... When and Why?
One day you're feeling great. Then all of a sudden, you can't stand the pain. It could be your back, or just a headache. All you know is that you just want the pain to go away. Do you reach for a heat pack or is a cold pack the best way to get relief? The answers:

What happens when I injure my body or experience pain?
Whenever you experience an injury or muscle pull, inflammation sets in. The area swells as more blood flows to the injured site. Some inflammation is a good thing. It's your body's way of starting to repair the damage. But medical professionals say that it can be too much of a good thing. Excess swelling makes your muscles ache by putting pressure on sensitive nerves. Swelling is also responsible for the pain associated with headaches and sinus problems.

Do I apply heat or cold to an injury?
Experts recommend the application of cold first to an injury. Then Heat. Cold therapy combats swelling by constricting blood vessels and slowing down blood flow. And since it numbs nerves, cold also acts as a painkiller. Orthopedist prescribe treatment for muscle pulls with the acronym, RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

So when do I apply heat to an injury?
If you've been applying cold and compression for a few days, and there is no longer any swelling or redness, it's time to apply heat. Heat speeds up healing by increasing blood flow. Heat also restores flexibility, relieves muscle cramping, and is recommended to relieve arthritis symptoms.

How can Thera-Med help me?
Thera-Med hot and cold packs offer a variety of orthopedically designed shapes and sizes to conform to whatever part of the body you are treating. Thera-Med cold packs come with Velcro attachments, you can enhance the treatment with compression.