Talented Indian sports shooter Manu Bhaker recently won the bronze medal in the 10 m air pistol competition in Paris. She has encountered considerable physical difficulties during her practice due to her employment as a shooter. Extreme focus and perfect control are necessary for the sport, particularly with the shoulder muscles. The shoulder experiences the most strain and pain from repeated training and competition since it takes the brunt of the weight and recoil from the pistol. If left untreated, this strain may cause discomfort, stiffness, and even permanent damage.

Using heat or cold therapy to ease this discomfort can be very helpful. Applying ice packs or other forms of cold therapy can help numb aching areas and reduce inflammation, offering instant relief. Conversely, hot therapy—which includes the application of heating pads—increases blood flow and eases tense muscles to aid in the healing process. By including these therapies in her regimen, Manu Bhaker can see a marked decrease in discomfort and a quicker recovery, which will help her perform at her best while preserving her physical well-being. We discussed cold and hot therapy in a conversation with Dr. Aijaaz Ashai, the Chairman of the IAP in the West Zone for the Innovation Committee. Which Is Better For Relieving Strains in the Shoulders?

According to Dr. Aijaaz, when managing a shoulder strain, both heat and cold therapies can offer significant relief, although their effectiveness largely depends on the timing and nature of the injury as well as the condition of the muscle. Cold therapy is usually used in cases of sprains where the tissue is damaged or inflamed, whereas heat therapy is used in cases of muscular stiffness.

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Why Is Cryotherapy Useful For All Athletes?

Cold therapy (cryotherapy) is useful when effective force is applied to the shoulder muscle. Relief can be obtained by rubbing the ice across the shoulder muscle fiber followed by icing the area for 10 to 15 minutes (depending upon the condition of your skin), which constricts the blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the affected area, thereby minimizing the inflammation and swelling. This can also numb the pain due to its analgesic effect, providing immediate relief. Taking advantage of this therapy during the first forty-eight hours causes a decrease in swelling and avoids worsening the injury.

 
 
 
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In addition, he further added, due to long hours or continuous work, sometimes the shoulder muscles may become stiff. Heat application, such as with a warm towel or heating pad, helps to increase blood flow to the area, which promotes healing by delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the tissues. It also relaxes and loosens stiff muscles, which can improve mobility and flexibility and reduce pain associated with chronic strains or muscle tension.

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Lastly, Dr. Aijaaz said, for optimal recovery, a combination of both therapies may be employed, using cold therapy initially to control inflammation and heat therapy later to facilitate muscle healing and flexibility. However, before treating yourself, please consult your physiotherapist to avoid any serious injuries.