- What is the best ice gel packs for back pain?
- Video: Types of Hot/Cold Packs
- Types of hot & cold packs you should know about
- What are ice gel packs for back and hip pain?
- Advantages and benefits of hot/cold gel packs for back pain
- How to use reusable cold gel packs for lower back pain?
- F.A.Q: Frequently asked questions
Nowadays, many people suffer from back and hip injuries due to various causes, e.g. trauma, dislocations, osteoarthritis, etc. These and other causes of back and hip injuries are not always easy to treat. These and other causes can lead to inflammation and pain in the lower back.
To relieve back and hip pain, we can use cold therapy with ice gel packs to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation in this area of the body.
What is the best ice gel packs for back pain?
- Size: One size fits all
- Colours: Grey and Black
- Material: Breathable
- No. of products: 1 Piece
- Uses: Rehabilitation and sport
- Always Flexible
- High Quality
- Full Pack
- Extra-Strong Velcro
- Ergonomic design
Extra-Strong Velcro
High Quality
Always Flexible
- Material: Nylon
- Uses: Lower back
- Type of adjustment: Velcro strap
- Cover: Yes
- No. of units: 2 Gel Packs
- Velcro strap
- 2 Gel Packs
- Hot/cold therapy
- Fully adjustable
- Little flexibility with cold therapy
- Not microwaveable
The ice and heat packs are removable and can be placed in the refrigerator or microwave, depending on the therapeutic benefit you are looking for. The neoprene cover is flexible and does not deform during use, which helps to better adapt to the tender points in the lumbar region. Please note that, in some patients, the support was not ideal for stabilising the joint.
- Material: Nylon
- Uses: Lower back
- Type of adjustment: Velcro strap
- Cover: Yes
- No. of units: 2 Gel Packs
- Fully adjustable Velcro strap
- Durable heat/cold therapy
- Not microwaveable
You can recover faster from a herniated disc by simply placing the gel packs in the refrigerator or microwave to achieve the necessary temperature. Then, you will need to adjust the elastic strap until you feel comfortable with the compression. These steps will help to improve the dilation of the capillary vessels, but it is important to keep in mind that the support strap can cause skin irritation.
- Large size
- Gel Packs
- Long lasting cold therapy
- Suitable for various body areas
- Medium flexibility with cold therapy
- Not suitable for heat therapy
The pain from sports injuries will be reduced by using this freezer heating pad, just apply it for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day directly to the affected area. But that's not all, you can also use it on the neck and shoulder or other parts of the body to relieve pain. It does not include straps, so you cannot apply compression therapy.
- Material: Nylon
- Uses: Various body areas
- Type of adjustment: Velcro strap
- Cover: Yes
- No. of units: 2 Gel Packs
- Velcro strap adjustment
- 2 Gel packs per order
- Little flexibility when freezing
This handy pack of two hot and cold pads with adjustable straps is very easy to use because you only need to get the temperature you are looking for via the microwave or refrigerator. After that, you will have to apply it on your back and adjust the strap until you get the ideal pressure. Please note that, for some users, the temperature retention system was insufficient.
- Material: Nylon
- Uses: Back, Shoulder, Leg
- Type of adjustment: Velcro strap
- Cover: No
- No. of units: 3 Gel Packs
- Large Gel Pack
- 3 Internal Gel Packs
- Hot/cold therapy
- Suitable for various body areas
- Gently washable
- Not suitable for microwave
The adjustable and flexible structure is microwaveable and can be reused as many times as you like, but be aware that in some cases this property wears off over time. Its triple capsule adapts to the waist and hips of women and men, and can be worn over or under clothing at the gym or at work.
- For the whole body
- Long lasting cold therapy
- Little flexibility when freezing
Two important factors to emphasize are the construction with high quality materials and reusable condition, this helps to extend the time of use during each session and lengthens the life of the thermal bag. But you should note that it does not have adjustable straps, which helps to limit the use, as you will need to be lying down or sitting during each treatment. It can be used by both men and women to treat low back pain, menstrual cramps and sciatica.
- Suitable for various body areas
- Long therapy duration
- Hot/cold therapy
- High-quality workmanship
- Medium flexibility with cold therapy
- Not suitable for microwave
You can apply this treatment on various parts of the body and without relying on anyone else. You will only need to get the therapeutic temperature by placing it in the refrigerator or microwave and then place it on the sensitive lumbar areas. It is recommended for treating symptoms of sciatica, pulled muscles and inflamed discs. The material may overheat as you use it and tends to lose its temperature retention property.
Magic Gel - Reusable Hip Ice Pack Wrap for Hip Bursitis, Hip Replacement Surgery and Hip Flexor Pain
- Adjustable Velcro strap
- Cold/Heat therapy
- Little flexibility with cold therapy
Place the bag directly in the freezer for at least 2 hours and you will achieve the ideal therapeutic temperature for application to the lumbar region. The double velcro strap will provide stability and alignment of the joint, which will contribute to a more effective recovery. You can take this thermal bag everywhere you go, but be aware that the straps and buckles may be uncomfortable for some users.
Video: Types of Hot/Cold Packs
Types of hot & cold packs you should know about
What are ice gel packs for back and hip pain?
Cold:
- Strains
- Dislocations
- Tendonitis
- Trauma
- Rotator cuff injury
- Cracks in the bones
- Bursitis
- Torn muscle fibres
Hot:
- Frozen shoulder
- Osteoarthritis
- Pain (without inflammation)
- Muscle contractures
- Muscle cramps
- Arthritis
- Cartilage wear and tear
- Post-operative recovery
Advantages and benefits of hot/cold gel packs for back pain
- Pain relief: although cold has a pain-relieving effect, this is reflected in the numbness of the skin. In fact, not only is this effect intentional, but the low temperatures in the body reduce blood flow to the affected area and make the pain receptors more resistant to this symptom in case of injury. It is not recommended for use on open wounds.
- Reducing inflammation: Inflammation is a natural process of the body responding to soft tissue injury, but when soft tissue is inflamed, pain is constant until it is relieved. You can use the cold pack to speed up the relaxation of muscles, ligaments and tendons. It supports the body in administering medication, which you can then continue to use if you stick to the schedule.
- Speeds up the healing process: For minor injuries such as sprains and bruises, this cold gel pack helps to relieve uncomfortable symptoms that prevent you from returning to your sport or physical activity immediately. These simple injuries should not prevent you from continuing with your day. The backpack we offer has a Velcro closure that fits over your shoulder and back without slipping, so you can stay active while the area fully recovers.
- Injury prevention: It is only advisable to apply the cold after exercise or training if you know that part of your body is sensitive due to previous injuries and you want to avoid relapses. As the shoulder is very mobile, any strong or sudden movement will cause the injury to return. The gel pack will help prevent re-injury if you apply it after exercise or intense physical activity at work.
- Compression: As mentioned earlier, this model of gel pack has a Velcro strap that wraps around your back and allows you to use it at any time of the day, although its size means you can't easily hide it when you need to leave the house, so it's best to rest for a while while it works its magic. The band also provides compression that quickly reduces pain and swelling.
- Improves athletic performance: The cold gel pack helps you avoid new and recurring injuries, so you can train longer and avoid injury-related forced breaks. The more you train, the more you will improve as an athlete and the more you will be able to train at the level you want for important competitions. Preventing injuries reduces the likelihood of increased wear and tear on joints and cartilage that cannot regenerate on their own.
- Improves blood circulation: This bag also transmits heat, but always make sure that the temperature is evenly distributed in the gel inside. The heat dilates the vessels and veins in the affected area, allowing more blood to flow and keeping the muscles and other tissues in the shoulder and back active. In cases such as vascular discomfort and stiffness, it is best to apply heat as the blood is better able to carry the components that the tissues need.
- Haematoma reduction: Trauma and falls can leave internal skin bleeding that can last several weeks if not treated immediately. The cold application with this bag prevents the bruise from spreading to the shoulder, which leaves a pain when this type of blow is struck on the back, making it difficult to turn the body.
- Cell activation: If we want to overcome a moderate condition like tears quickly, we must try to promote cell activation, and this is achieved with constant heat, provided we keep to the application times, which you will see in detail later. The heat gets the damaged cells to regenerate as it delivers more nutrients and oxygen to the damaged muscle groups.
How to use reusable cold gel packs for lower back pain?
Cold therapy
When to use cold: As long as it is a minor physical injury, you can safely apply cold. When we talk about minor injuries, we mean sprains, bruises and tears in the shoulder and lower back. Note that it is not necessary to use this bag every time you play sports or do a strenuous activity at work. You just need to be aware if previous injuries are likely to recur, so it is advisable to use the cold bag to avoid a recurrence.
It is important to know that you should not use ice, this gel pack or any form of cold for shoulder and back injuries or pain without inflammation; in the latter case it is better to apply heat. Do not use in case of allergic reactions of the skin or in the presence of fungi.
The application of the cold: The cold therapy with the gel pack is very simple. Simply place the pack in the freezer or refrigerator two hours before use to ensure that the correct concentration of cold is present in the gel material to transmit this temperature change. Then take the pack out and let it rest for two to three minutes.
Depending on the injury, you can use this pouch for 10 and 15 minutes, but you should never use it for more than 20-25 minutes or you may burn your skin, even though this particular garment has a protective material that prevents burns. Repeat this cycle several times a day.
Heat therapy
When should heat be applied: Heat is recommended for old injuries that have not healed properly and have not been able to relax the joint and back properly due to constant muscle activity to allow cell regeneration. Heat improves soft tissue function, relieves pain due to vascular problems, keeps muscles active and provides the fuel the fibres need to recover.
Heat should not be used after strenuous exercise or training as you want to achieve the opposite effect of muscle relaxation, which is the case with cold. Also, do not use heat if you experience numbness, tingling and pins and needles. Finally, do not use this pouch if you feel an internal cold in your body as it is likely to be an undiagnosed fever.
Instructions for use in heat: when applying heat, you must be very careful as there may be burns during the process of heating the garment and its application if you do not read the instructions and recommendations that come with this gel pack. Use a water bath or microwave oven for several minutes, half an hour at most, carefully remove the garment and try to move the gel so that the temperature is more evenly distributed on the skin.
Before applying heat, be aware that you can only do this for about 15 to 20 minutes. And although this bag is also heat resistant, it is not a product specifically designed for high temperatures, but it works well. Make sure there are no leaks and that the bag is still in perfect condition, because if the hot gel comes into contact with the skin, it can cause minor burns.
Hot & cold therapy
When to use heat and cold: This is a combination therapy that should be offered by a GP or physiotherapist. However, if you are already used to contrast baths, you may be able to use the gel pack at home, as you already have an old wound that has not healed properly and are used to handling it.
Basically, contrast therapy aims to train the circulatory system to become more efficient again and function better by providing the body with the nutrients it needs. This therapy is not recommended for certain types of diabetes, for people with arteriosclerosis and for those who are hypersensitive to cold.
Use of heat and cold: The use of heat and cold in this contrast therapy varies depending on the goal you are trying to achieve. For this reason, it is advisable to seek the advice of a professional. Generally, you start with heat on the shoulder and back for 5 to 10 minutes to activate the cells and increase circulation. Then cold is applied and while preparing the bag, the skin rests a little.
When you switch to cold, the pack should not touch the skin for more than 20 minutes without interruption, then you should switch back to warm. This cycle should be done two to three times a day as long as you notice improvement.