The result is a smoother digestion process and mitigation of related stomach issues. 4. Reduces headaches 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.

In one study, some people who used ice said that it was helpful for managing pain, although this did not translate into a lower use of painkillers. Many people find that ice is helpful when used to manage pain in the short term. It is unlikely that it will have much of a negative effect in the long term when used in this way. With any sprain, strain or bruise there is some bleeding into the underlying tissues. This causes swelling and pain. Ice treatment may be used in both the immediate treatment of soft tissue injuries and in later rehabilitation.Get good sleep: Make sure you are sleeping enough hours (seven to eight hours for adults and nine or more for children) and are going to bed and waking up at consistent times. Make your bed a screen-free zone, and don’t do work there. Heat is an effective and safe treatment for most aches and pains. Heat can be applied in the form of a wheat bag, heating pads, deep heat cream, hot water bottle or heat lamp. A study of people using ice therapy for gout found that it made some improvement to their pain but it did not reduce swelling. A 2014 experimental study of 18 females ages 50 to 69 observed improvements in clinical symptoms and walking ability after 12 weeks of treatment using heat- and steam-generating sheets. However, a 2018 randomized controlled trial of 93 rheumatoid arthritis patients concluded that dry heat treatment did not improve hand function or provide any positive benefits.

Design and functionality. I sought products that are easy to use, especially for those with limited mobility due to arthritis. This means features like adjustable straps and washable covers, and products that are designed for use and fit on a variety of joints. Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, so make sure you are drinking enough water. About a half gallon a day is recommended, and you’ll need more if you engage in physical activity. Heat causes the blood vessels to open wide (dilate). This brings more blood into the area to stimulate healing of damaged tissues. It has a direct soothing effect and helps to relieve pain and spasm. It can also ease stiffness by making the tissues more supple. The Arthritis Foundation recommends using heat in the form of warm compress or bath for stiff joints and achy muscles. Warmth opens blood vessels, allowing more blood flow, nutrients, and oxygen to get to the damaged joint tissue. They recommend cold therapy for swelling and redness, as cold decreases blood flow and inflammation.Medically accepted care. I considered clinical research and recommendations from medical professionals and authorities like the Arthritis Foundation. In a recent article published in Scientific American, four of the five medical practitioners interviewed attest to some benefits of acupuncture. Needless to say, modern science based medicine isn’t fond of giving credibility to “alternative medicine.” Ancient Chinese medical texts were among the first to discover and expand upon the mind and body connection. Since then, prestigious institutions (Harvard Medical School), health agencies (National Institute of Health), and most modern scientists and medical practitioners have accepted the overwhelming evidence for such connections. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.