Size You'll generally find that cool boxes have larger capacities. You can get cool bags up to 50 litres, but if you need more consider a cool box instead. The best cool bags are solid and durable; the worst have the exterior casing rip after only one strong tug. Holidaying with a large group, or throwing a big garden party? In this case, a cool box will likely meet your needs better than a cooler bag. These effects all help to prevent the area from becoming stiff, by reducing excess tissue fluid that gathers as a result of injury and inflammation.

Our tests showed some key differences between these two products that are worth considering before buying: The best cool boxes keep the contents chilled better for longer. The best electric cool boxes cooled the chilled bottles of water to an even lower temperature by the end of the day than when we put them in. Leakproof This is because salt can lower the freezing point of the ice and this causes the ice to stay colder for longer.

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If you are feeling stiff and sore, a warming muscle balm can give fast soothing relief. The warming effect of a rub or balm, together with the rubbing motion when apply can help ease sore muscles and aching joints. Have a magnesium bath This handy graphic highlights the benefit of heat and ice and which is best to use for your pain or injury: Heat relaxes the muscles in the area that may still be tense, improving flexibility. Trapped nerves Ice (also known as cold therapy or cryotheraphy) constricts the blood vessels, which slows down blood flow to injured or painful areas. This helps to reduce swelling, redness, inflammation and although often uncomfortable at first, it can also numb pain. When to apply cold/ice: New injuries Additional research and reporting were done by Mattie Schuler, an adventure journalist who specializes in the outdoor industry.

The pain experienced in the 12-48 hrs following over-exertion is due to many very small injuries to the muscle fibres or to the tendons that attach the muscles to the bones. Blood rushing to the area causes inflammation, redness and tenderness, therefore cold is used to reduce blood circulation. After a hard work outAbsorption cool boxes Similar in size and design to compressor cool boxes, but you can also power these with gas. Cold and heat therapies are an easy, natural and inexpensive ways to help relieve pain, so it’s little wonder they are so popular. Containing extracts of fresh Arnica flowers, our Atrogel Arnica Gel can help relieve stiff, sore joints and muscles, as well as inflammation causes from strains, sprains and pains. This easy-to-apply, non-greasy gel can be used up to 4 times a day. Arnica Skin Cream Don’t apply ice to an open wound. It is also not advised to use ice if there is a risk of cramping. Ice can also make muscle tension and spasms worse. Bottom line Don’t use heat on a new injury or bruising; it can make it worse by increasing bleeding under the skin around the injured area. Heat therapy is also not usually recommended for people who have diabetes or some vascular conditions. ICE