Hot/Cold Therapy Products

Today many of us suffer from the nagging aches and pains located in our muscles and joints. Whether our pains are from diseases like multiple sclerosis, arthritis or fibromyalgia, or we have pulled muscles or acquired sprains from sports, therapies such as hot or cold compress applications may assist us in offering some relief which may get us back to what we love most - enjoying life!

Hot and cold therapy has been studied as early as 1918. Cold therapy has proven to be effective in reducing inflammation (heat, swelling, soreness) in injured ligaments while hot therapy increases blood flow to the muscles, all of which control the pain level and edema (fluids) of our injuries and soreness.

It has been reported that 10-20 minutes of therapy is most appropriate whether you are using either hot or cold therapy. Cold therapy has been traditionally used for immediate therapy of sprains, strains, fractures and other inflammatory conditions. In addition, cold therapy has been practiced for chronic pains such as migraine headaches, tendon injuries and tension. It is stated that application of cold increases the patients' pain threshold by decreasing spasticity and excitability of free nerve endings and peripheral nerves, thus offering pain reduction.

Heat is useful in the rehabilitation phase of injuries. Heat therapy is effective for repetitive strain injury when coupled with massage and relaxation exercises. Heat alters the viscous flow properties of collagen to relieve joint stiffness (connective tissues become more elastic and are able to move freely.) It has been reported that "moist" heat is more effective than "dry" heat in that it penetrates deeper into the muscle, offering more relaxation to the muscle and joints.

Hot and cold therapy products are readily available at Medex01.com and come in many shapes and designs to offer therapy for all parts of the body. There are products that have the ability to be used for both applications-hot or cold and others are for a specific use only. It is imperative that when using these types of products, you follow the manufacturer's directions for use. Too much cold can cause extensive nerve damage and too much heat can cause burns.

Additional tips to to keep in mind :

1. Heat should not be applied to sensitive skin as the patients may not be able to perceive discomfort and realize the temperature should be lowered.

2. Never use topical analgesics such as "Ben Gay" or others when using heat therapy, as the chemicals in these medications increase blood flow to the surface of the skin and may hamper the thermoregulatory response of heat redistribution, causing severe burns.
For addition information on hot and cold therapy, consult your physician.

Buy Hot/Cold therapy products at MedEx01.com

Elasto-Gel Hot - Cold Therapy Cranial Cap

Apply Hot and Cold Therapy To the Head and Neck
Use for headaches, muscle strain, discomfort and more! The Elasto-Gel Hot - Cold Therapy Cranial Cap has been specially designed to apply mild pressure and hot or cold therapy to the head and neck regions. Use during Physical, Sports or Occupational Therapy….or for simple day-to-day needs.

Elasto-Gel Therapy Products are made of a tough, flexible gel covered with a four-way stretch material which allows maximum conformity, heat transfer, and comfort.
A single item serves both hot and cold needs!

For Heat Treatment - Heat in the Microwave or Conventional Oven! (Directions Included)Moist heat quickly penetrates muscles and joints when a warm wrap is applied. The wrap will continue to provide moist heat for 20 to 30 minutes before it will need to be reheated.

For Cold treatment - Simply Place in Freezer! (Directions Included)The wrap remains soft and flexible at temperatures as low as -20F. The cold wrap will usually numb the treated area within 5 minutes without the severe shock and pain experienced with ice or ice water treatments. The wraps will remain cold for 20 to 40 minutes.

Care Instructions:Always store product in a plastic bag while in the freezer.Wipe cover down with a damp (not wet) cloth using mild soap or disinfectant.Allow the product to fully air dry before continuing to use.

Available Sizes: (Sizing based on hat size, or circumference of head 1" above ear)Small/Medium - Hat size 8 and smaller or head circumference 26" or less. Large/X-Large - Hat size 9 and larger or head circumference greater than 26"

Buy the Elasto-Gel Hot - Cold Therapy Cranial Cap at Medex01.com

SPO Medical Check Mate Sports and Aviation Pulse Oximeter

Check Mate answers the sports and aviation markets’ demand for a lightweight, inexpensive monitor for measuring SPO2 oxygen saturation and heart rate during physically active and high-altitude activities. It offers the user a greater ability to monitor these vital signs under motion and is less expensive than most available devices.

SPORTS:

SPO Medical's patented reflectance pulse oximetry (RPO) technology is what allows Check Mate to effectively monitor an athlete’s SPO2 during such activities as: * Mountain Climbing
* High-Altitude Street Cycling
* Light Jogging, Speed Walking and Running

Check Mate will monitor SPO2 in almost any physical activity that does not include significant arm swinging (e.g., jumping jacks). For most athletes, a little learning goes a long way: after a few hours of experimenting with various movements, athletes quickly learn how to use Check Mate in almost any activity.

AVIATION

Pilots love Check Mate because it allows them to quickly assess their SPO2 while flying at high altitudes. Hypoxia can be a pilot’s worst enemy, and Check Mate is a low-cost product which gives pilots peace of mind.


Check Mate also has an optional pouch that is rugged, zippered shut to prevent loss under extreme physical activities. Its semi-rigid, soft shell construction allows for safe storage as well as comfort to the wearer.



SPO Check Mate CM1000 Finger Pulse Oximeter Sold at MedEx01.com

SPO CC1000-1 Orange Pulse Oximeter Belt Case Sold at MedEx01.com

Effective relief of pain - Blue Vinyl ColPaC

The Blue Vinyl ColPaC was designed for heavy clinical use. This is a must have if you practice any extreme sports. This cold pack is the best on the market. It will last several years.

The Blue Vinyl ColPaC is filled with a non-toxic silica gel that remains pliable throughout treatment. It delivers up to 30 minutes of soothing relief from acute pain, swelling and fever. The Blue Vinyl ColPaC is latex free.




It's available in 7 different sizes at Medex01.com

MedEx01.com Medical Supplies

China Gel - Herbal Therapeutic Gel for Topical Pain Relief

China-Gel Topical Analgesic is a soothing, greaseless therapeutic gel that provides fast relief of minor aches and pains associated with simple backaches, arthritis, bursitis, strains of muscles and joints and sports injuries. It is used professionally by chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, and in athletic and rehabilitation programs.

China-Gel is a natural, greaseless, therapeutic gel that incorporates modern technology with ancient pain-relieving concepts of Chinese medicine. China-Gel has a pleasant, menthol/lavender fragrance on application that ultimately becomes odorless as the gel dries.

China-Gel looks and feels like a fine cosmetic hand cream. It completely dissolves upon application and does not leave a greasy residue. Contains the natural substances of Menthol, Cinnamomum, Camphora, Ginseng Extract, Angelica Extract, Lavender Oil, Aloe Vera Gel, and Witch Hazel.

When applied as directed, China-Gel is designed to stimulate the body's endorphin response to pain and reduces the pain-producing " P factor " in muscle tissue, thereby lessening pain and discomfort, and enhancing healing. The deep penetrating effect offers long lasting cool-to-warm soothing relief.

China-Gel is suggested for the following conditions: muscle strain, joint pains, arthritis, tendinitis, sports injuries, leg cramps, bursitis, rheumatism and for use in rehabilitation and massage therapy.

China-Gel has been widely recognized for its effectiveness, and is used at highly-regarded medical treatment centers like the Mayo Clinic and by professional athletic teams.

Buy China Gel at MedEx01.com

PillowMD™ line provides the “science of supported sleep”

The PillowMD™ line of ergonomically designed sleep support from Battle Creek Equipment gently cradles your head to ease pain and stiffness, promote proper breathing, reduce muscle tension and let you take advantage of Mother Nature’s best therapy – rejuvenating rest!

Firm outer edges are two different widths, while center area features two densities of foam for a 'custom fit' specifically suited to your needs. Provides support and alignment of the spine, beneficial in treatment of neck, shoulder and lower back discomfort, TMJ, pinched nerves or arthritis. Generous 27 inch x 16 inch x 5 inch size fits Standard pillowcase. Hypo-allergenic.

PillowMD - Orthopedic Pillow (Deluxe Cervical Pillow) at MedEx01.com

Latex Free Adhesive Bandages

• Manufactured of strong, sheer, ventilated plastic
• Coated with a long lasting adhesive
• Non-stick pad is highly absorbent and helps to cushion wound
• Packaged in dispenser boxes for convenient handling
• Great for first-aid kits!


Latex Free Adhesive Bandages, Sheer Strips available at MedEx01.com

Pulse Oximetry / Pulse Oximeter

A pulse oximeter is the device used for performing the test. It has a probe, which is attached to the patient's finger or ear lobe, that is connected to a computerized unit. The unit displays the percentage of Hb saturated with oxygen. In some pulse oximeter models, the heart rate and blood flow can also be monitored. The oximeter can detect hypoxia before a patient becomes cyanotic.

What is Pulse Oximetry?

Pulse oximetry measures the percentage of hemoglobin (Hb) saturated with oxygen. This oxygen saturation is a measure of how much oxygen the blood is carrying as a percentage of the maximum it could carry.

How Pulse Oximetry is Performed

Pulse Oximetry is performed simply by placing a special light clip on your finger, earlobe or toe. The clip is attached to the pulse oximeter by a cable, which is connected to the pulse oximeter computerized unit. The pulse oximeter monitors the oxygen saturation in the blood. The testing is non-invasive and does not cause pain, nor is it considered a "risky" procedure. Pulse oximetry can be performed at rest, during activity or even during sleep. How A Pulse Oximeter WorksA pulse oximeter passes two light waves (red and infrared) through the skin to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.

How A Pulse Oximeter Works

A pulse oximeter passes two light waves (red and infrared) through the skin to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. The oximeter detects the slight change in color of the arterial blood caused by the beat of the heart when blood is pushed into the finger (or earlobe or toe). Because the change in color is so minute, it is imperative to ensure a strong pulse during testing. When the pulse is weak, the results may be inaccurate.

Pulse Oximetry Test Results

Pulse oximeter results must be accompanied by the percentage of oxygen the person is breathing, and their respiratory rate, for the results to be meaningful. A fit, healthy person should have an oxygen saturation between 95% and 99%. Results lower than 90% may be caused by excessive bleeding, lung problems, cigarette smoking, blood vessel problems, lung diseases such as COPD. Percentages above 99% may indicate that the testing was performed outside the pulse oximeter's limitations; re-testing may be needed.

What the Results Mean

One Hb molecule has the ability to carry up to four oxygen molecules. Therefore, one hundred hemoglobin molecules could carry a maximum of 400 oxygen molecules. If during testing, the hemoglobin molecules were carrying 380 oxygen molecules, the percentage of saturation would be 95% ((380/400) x 100 = 95%).

MedEx01.com ia a great resource for medical supplies including oximeters.

Source: ibreathe.com, health.discovery.com, and pulseox.info