Is it just “extreme temperatures” in general that can have medicinal properties?

  • Decoy321@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    The different temperatures have different physiological effects, even though they have the same goal.

    Cold treatments remove thermal energy from the body. Vessels constrict, swelling and inflammation reduce, slows nerve signaling, etc…

    On the other hand, heat treatments add thermal energy. It dilates vessels, promotes blood flow, helps sore muscle tissue relax, etc.

    You can also sometimes use contrasting treatments in an alternating fashion, too.

    • TWeaK@lemm.ee
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      1 year ago

      There’s also extreme cold temperature treatment, which can “shock” the body and increase bloodflow to accelerate healing. Former F1 driver Mark Webber had this to deal with an injury he had during yhw off season.