Extreme temperatures have been used in different therapies for centuries, but what do they actually do? You might have heard about the wonders of infrared saunas, or perhaps you’ve seen friends putting skincare tools in the freezer before using them on the skin.

While both are examples of temperature therapy, the benefits and uses can be very different. So can temperature really aid in your personal wellness journey, and if so – which might be right for you? Here’s our guide to hot and cold therapy.

What is heat therapy?

Heat therapy can take several forms, but you’ll likely be familiar with those that are most common. Dry heat therapy involves applying conducted forms of heat to the body, such as saunas or heat packs. Meanwhile moist heat is more direct, such as immersing yourself in a hot bath.

Both forms of heat therapy can be beneficial for discomfort in the body, as raising the temperature of muscles or tissue can help to relax the area, relieve stiffness and heal any damage. It can be applied to a smaller area, or used to treat the entire body.

What is cold therapy?

As you might’ve guessed, cold therapy exists on the other end of the temperature dial to heat therapy but is similar in principle. Cold therapy – also known as cryotherapy – involves chilling parts of the body, via ice baths, ice packs or even a purpose-built cryotherapy chamber.

Cold therapy is said to be helpful for pain relief or to reduce swelling or inflammation in the body, which can impact our tendons and joints. It can also help to aid in recovery for injury, or reduce muscle soreness.

Which form of therapy is right for me?

If you’re dealing with inflammation and swelling, cold therapy can provide your body with some relief. But if you’re dealing with stiffness or need your muscles to relax, heat therapy will likely be better suited to your needs. You could also use a combination of both to suit your unique health goals.

But it’s important to note that there are situations where neither therapies are suitable. For example, muscle stiffness could worsen from cold therapy, and heat therapy isn’t suitable for certain pre-existing conditions, such as those with dermatitis. For that reason, it’s always best to discuss which might be right with your doctor before you begin any new treatment.

A healthy diet and lifestyle is always going to be just as important for your body’s wellbeing, so be sure you’re giving it what it needs to thrive. Our 3 Steps Welle routine includes your daily dose of greens, plant-based protein and calming herbs to help your body find balance. If you’re needing a little motivation to get started, join our 30 Days Welle to feel the difference in just one month.

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