How to cool the Flex-Heat pack. 

Simply place the lupin pack in a sealed plastic bag (this prevents the lupin seeds getting wet) and store in the freezer for at least an hour before use.

Remove the plastic bag and apply.

Does it matter whether I use hot or cold therapy?

Yes. Knowing when to use Hot or Cold therapy is important. If you apply a heat to the wrong type of injury (an acute injury) it can potentially worsen the condition and prolong your recovery time.

Cold Therapy should be used in acute situations.

Redness, swelling, pain & inflammation are signs of an acute injury. So if you have a recent injury (within the last 48 hours) you should be applying cold therapy with compression.

Cold Therapy if you have bumps or bruises, pulled muscles, joint sprains and fractures.

Cold Therapy if you are recovering from a surgical procedure.

Cold Therapy when you have just finished playing sport or strenuous activities

Note: When applying any cold product that is below freezing an insulation layer should be used to guard against frost bite.

Heat Therapy should be used for chronic conditions.

Chronic conditions gradually build up over several days, weeks, even years.

A condition will begin to become chronic after 6 weeks.

Heat therapy will help period cramps, arthritic pain or muscle cramps/spasm.

Note: Heat Therapy should only be applied when all swelling has been reduced.

How do you apply Heat Therapy?

Heat Therapy can be used any time except when there is internal or external bleeding. Application times of 20-30 min. are recommended with a 10-20 minute rest period between applications.

What does Heat Therapy actually do?

Heat Therapy will increase blood flow to an area by dilating your blood vessels so more blood, oxygen and nutrients can be delivered. Heat therapy will soothe and relax muscles in spasm and enhance healing.

Note: Never apply heat to bruises or muscle strains in the first 24 hours after injury. Heat may increase any local bleeding.

Will Heat Therapy help the pain?

Yes, Heat Therapy provides mild pain relief by acting as a counter irritant “filling” the nerves with the sensation of heat instead of pain, thereby reducing the amount of pain perceived.

How does Heat Therapy improve recovery time?

Heat encourages blood flow to an area, bringing oxygen and nutrients while decreasing inflammation by taking toxins away.

What are some common uses of Heat Therapy?

-Relieving pain and stiffness in joints and knotted muscles.

-Alleviating stomach cramps and period pain.

-Relieving arthritic pain.

-Pain and stiffness in joints to loosen those problematic areas.

HOT PRECAUTIONS

Never apply heat to bruises or muscle strains in the first 24 hours. Heat may increase any local bleeding. Persons with diabetes, circulatory problems, nerve damage, paralysis or sensitive skin should not use heat therapy except if directed by a health practitioner. When pregnant do not apply heat to the abdomen. Do not apply heat therapy where a clot or thrombosis is suspected.

How do you apply Cold Therapy?

For the average adult, apply a cold Flex-Heat pack to the injured area for 10-15 min. with a 20-30 min. rest between applications for a 2 hour period. Early application is important. Depending on the severity of the injury this can be repeated over a 24-72 hour period.

What does Cold Therapy actually do?

Cold Therapy is the clinically proven aid for most musculoskeletal injuries both during initial care and later rehabilitation. Cold therapy will promote stronger healing, ease pain and improve recovery time. It does this by constricting blood vessels and slowing down the inflammatory response.

Will Cold Therapy help the pain?

Yes, Cold Therapy provides strong pain relief. Cold temperatures reduce the nerve transmission from painful areas. With 4-5 minutes of Cold Therapy there is sensory fibre analgesia comparable to local anaesthesia. When your tissues are cold the ions that carry messages around between neurons find it more difficult to move around greatly reducing the pain signals going to your brain.

How does Cold Therapy improve recovery time?

The body reacts to injury or surgery by initiating an inflammatory response. This increases the permeability of blood vessels, activates local pain receptors and attracts immune chemicals creating swelling. This excess of fluids separates healthy cells in the vicinity from their oxygen source. As a result many healthy cells die from secondary tissue damage called “hypoxic injury”.

What are some common uses of Cold Therapy?

- Sports injuries (sprains & strains)

- Neck or back injuries/spasm

- Migraine and headache

- All types body aches and pains

COLD PRECAUTIONS

Do not use on infants. Young children should be supervised whilst using this product. Elderly or disabled persons may also require supervision. Any cold product may cause frostbite if improperly used. Do not use Cold Therapy before sporting activities as it can lower the area’s proprioception. People with circulatory disorders should not use cold therapy.