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Heat or cold treatments may be used to decrease pain and increase flexibility. Heat or cold treatments may be combined with the exercises prescribed by your physical therapist.

Heat	Cold
Use prior to activity	Use after exercise
Increases blood flow	Decreases blood flow
Improves motion	Decreases swelling
Decreases joint ache	Better for pain
Helps relax muscles	Reduces inflammation

You may want to purchase a gel pack that can be kept cold in your freezer or heated in a microwave.

Patient Education information provided by Biomet, Inc. - Advanced Science for Real Living™