Hot compresses can be used to treat a variety of sports-related skeletal muscle injuries. There are many different ways to apply heat to treat an injury, and whether or not it will be most effective depends on the injury. The timing of heat application is very important. What are the benefits of heat application? The main effects of hot compresses are: 1) to relieve pain; 2) to relieve stiffness; 3) to reduce muscle spasm; 4) to relax tense muscles and joints; 5) to restore normal soft tissue suppleness; 6) to increase blood supply to the injured area, promote blood circulation and facilitate healing. When is it appropriate to carry out hot compress treatment? Hot compress treatment is used for chronic injuries and late acute injuries. Chronic injury is usually a longer period of injury, including repeated overuse and strain, rather than a sudden trauma. Heat application before training and exercise is beneficial for mobilization of musculoligamentous tissues and helps to warm up better, such as applying heat to the calf muscles before running or to the shoulder before throwing sports. However, it is generally not recommended to use it immediately after exercise. How to apply a hot pack? Using a heat pack is a relatively easy way to apply heat. The main heat-generating components of a hot pack are gel or wheat, which need to be microwaved or mixed with hot water when using. Then wrap a towel around the injured area to ensure local comfort, and the temperature should not be too high. Usually a hot compress for about 15-20 minutes, according to medical advice to adjust the time of hot compress. Hot towels, warm water bath can also be used for hot compresses. Wet compresses are generally more effective than dry compresses, with better tissue penetration and deeper tissue reach. Hot towel absorbing hot water or heating in microwave oven for hot compress is simple and easy, but the heat of hot towel can generally only maintain 5-10 minutes, not enough time for hot compress. Choosing a heat pack is more convenient and can maintain the heat for a longer period of time. Some of the commercially available specially designed hot packs can fit different parts of the body and have a better hot compress effect. Hot tub or hot water rinse, can also achieve the effect of hot compresses. There are also special heat ointments, but the heat effect it provides often does not reach the deep tissue. For massage, this ointment is suitable and effective. What are the contraindications of hot compress treatment? When performing hot compresses, it is necessary to pay attention to these issues: 1. abnormal skin sensation (may not be felt if the temperature is too high); 2. thermal burns can easily occur if the hot compress is applied for too long or at too hot a temperature; 3. having thermal skin allergies; 4. circulatory system problems (patients with cardiovascular problems, may induce acute illnesses); 5. use during acute trauma can increase the degree of swelling; 6. deep vein thrombosis; 7. infection; 8. Malignant tumors. Most of these problems are due to increased local blood supply. In cases such as infections or malignant tumors, the use of hot compresses may lead to the spread of infection and the shedding of tumor cells into the bloodstream.