Heat and coldness can help muscle soreness and swelling, but when should you use hot versus cold therapy?

A doctor shares how to tell.

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Hot versus cold therapy.

woman sweating in the gym

David Popiel, MD, is the San Francisco lead doctor at Forward Health.

Its the age old question when it comes to addressingaches and pains.

Combining heat with gentle stretching helps tight muscles recover and ultimately regain flexibility.

An easy rule of thumb to follow?

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

If its swollen and painful choose cold therapy, says Dr. Popiel.

While an ice pack may feel painful in the moment it ends up being a form of relief.

Caveatpulled muscles or ligaments can benefit from both types of therapy.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

Cold comes first, then hot.

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Similarly, an ice bath or coolant spray can be effective forms of cold therapy.

Should you pull a muscle, start with cold to reduce swelling, and then switch to heat.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

And of course, consult your doctor to determine a treatment protocol.

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A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.