Lotions and Potions

So often I am asked by our customers : ‘ Should I  use a heat pack ? ‘ ‘ Should I put Anti-Flamme on it ?’ or ‘ Should I ice it ?’ Lotions and potions are our best friends, when it comes to soothing our hard working bodies. Next to having a massage, putting a cream on is one of the most rewarding things you can do after a big work out. But should it be hot, cold or neither ?

So it is high time for me to give you a quick run down of the proper uses of all our lotions and potions.

Ice packs or Cooling Gel :   

Cooling gels or ice packs are best used when an injury is fairly new. Having said that, there are benefits to icing even an existing injury. Polar Frost Cold Gel is specially formulated to provide soothing relief for soft tissue injuries, stress injuries, muscle tension, inflammation and stiffness. Aloe Vera has an anti-inflammatory effect and it keeps the skin smooth and moist throughout the treatment. Alternatively an ice pack (frozen peas ?) can be applied 20 mins at a time, wrapped in a towel so as not to touch the skin directly.

Heat Packs or heat cream:

Hot Rub helps maintain muscle temperature to prevent injury. Ideal to use as part of a warm up program before an event or training. It can also be used for treating tight muscles, which are not injured, but need a bit of comfort or TLC. Most creams use capsaicin to warm the skin, but some people may find this a little irritating to the skin. As an alternative a wheat bag can be used to soothe the area, perhaps a little more comforting in winter.

Anti- Flamme:

Anti-Flamme Herbal Creme soothes strained muscles, joint aches, bumps, bruises and common sports injuries. Anti-Flamme contains natural ingredients such as lavender and arnica and is used and recommended by NZ Physiotherapists. Take a liberal amount and rub lovingly!