10 Hot and Cold Therapy Tips to Tame Joint Pain
Hot and cold treatments won't prevent rheumatoid arthritis flares, but they can lessen the pain and inflammation.
By Denise Maher
Medically Reviewed by Alexa Meara, MD
Applying hot or cold therapy can help soothe the stiffness and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Heat can help relax muscles and at the same time stimulate blood flow, increase range of motion, and reduce joint stiffness.
Cold therapy treatments can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and soreness caused by an arthritis flare.
Doctors and physical therapists often recommend hot and cold therapy to soothe the aching or stiff joints of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and increase mobility. Together, these methods to temporarily relieve RA pain are referred to as "thermotherapy."
https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/treatment/hot-and-cold-therapy/
