Hot and Cold Therapy Packs

Re-usable packs for hot or cold, which easily attach to the lining of the Equilibrium Magnetic Range (see tab below for more details).

• Use Cold post-exercise. 
• Use Hot for relaxation and warm-up prior to exercise.
• Use Hot and Cold Combined for muscle health after strenuous exercise.

Contains 2 x Hot/Cold Packs and Pouches.

Ice and hot pack for use with your Equilibrium Magnetic Chaps or Back Pad or under bandages.

Cold packs are ideal for use after strenuous exercises such as upon completion of your cross country, show jumping, or dressage. Or for minor knocks and bumps.

Hot packs are ideal for warming up muscles before exercise. Also, use to help maintain muscle health.

How to use

How to Use
Place the gel pack into the provided pouch and keep it in the pouch when in use – only remove it when the pouch needs cleaning. Never place the gel pack directly onto the skin. Always use the provided protective pouch.

COLD USE

Freeze the gel pack in it’s pouch for a minimum of 60 minutes. The pack can be stored in the freezer until it is needed. The pack will quickly become flexible after being taken out of the freezer. Apply where required for a minimum of 10 minutes. Use for strains, sprains, bumps, bruises or post exercise. DO NOT use cold therapy prior to exercise.

HOT USE

Place the gel pack inside the pouch provided and lay flat in the microwave on a high setting for 15-20 seconds only. If the desired temperature is not met, increase the time by 5 second increments. Make sure the pouch is never over heated. If the gel pack is frozen, the heating time may need to be increased. Leave to stand for a minute and ensure the temperature is comfortable before use. Apply for 20 minutes for relaxation, muscle spasms, joint stiffness and to warm up prior to exercises.

COMBINED THERAPY

Alternate between cold and hot packs for 10 minutes each for 3 cycles. Use for muscle tension and discomfort.

FAQ's

Q) How do I heat the Hot & Cold Packs

Place the gel pack inside the pouch provided and lay flat in the microwave on a high setting for 15-20 seconds only. If the desired temperature is not met, increase the time by 5 second increments. Make sure the pouch is never over heated. Leave to stand for a minute and ensure the temperature is comfortable before use.

Q) How do I freeze the Hot & Cold Packs

Place the gel pack in the freezer inside it’s pouch for a minimum of 60 minutes. The pack can be stored in the freezer until it is needed.

Q) How long should I use the Hot & Cold Packs for on my horse?

When the packs are cold they should be held in position for between 10 and 15 minutes and then removed. It is important to remove cold packs as they start to thaw out and warm up because they will start have the opposite effect that you are trying to achieve.

When the packs have been heated they should be left in place for a minimum of 20 minutes. They will gradually cool down to body temperature and will therefore become less effective but are unlikely to cause any adverse effects. If they are placed on the legs we advise removing them after 20 minutes (for comfort reasons) but they could be left for longer periods in the back pad.

Q) Where do I put the Hot & Cold Packs?

The Hot & Cold Packs are designed to be placed anywhere within the Equilibrium Therapy Magnetic Back Pad, Magnetic Chaps or the Hind and Hock Magnetic Chaps.

Q) When should I use heat therapy?

Heat therapy is generally best suited to any chronic injury/stiffness (chronic meaning it has been there for a while – more than 48-72 hours). The aim of heat therapy is to increase the blood flow to the area, bringing with it more oxygen and nutrients to provide a better healing environment. This is ideal for muscle tension and for use to warm up stiff joints.

Q) When should I use cold therapy?

Cold therapy is most suited to any new injury to help reduce inflammation. This can help reduce bruising and therefore increase the recovery rate.

Q) Should I use the Hot & Cold Packs before or after exercise?

Before exercise the packs can be used warm to help loosen up any stiff joints or to warm up the muscles.

After exercise the packs could be used cold to help the tissues recover from exercise.

Q) How often should I use the Hot & Cold Packs?

The frequency of use will depend on the reason for use. If the packs are being used warm to help relieve stiffness/muscle tension this ideally needs to be applied every day, or at least before the horse is exercised.

If the packs are being used cold to help reduce inflammation in the first stages of recovery post injury/new inflammation they will need to be applied ideally 3 times a day.

Q) Can I use the Hot & Cold Packs on myself?

Yes! Use in exactly the same way as you would for your horse.

Q) I don’t have any Equilibrium Therapy Magnetic products; can I still use the Hot & Cold Packs?

Yes. The Hot & Cold Packs can be easily attached to the inside of a fleece rug or held in place on the leg with a bandage or stable wrap.

Q) How long will the Hot & Cold Packs stay hot or cold for?

The Hot & Cold Packs will stay at temperature for up to an hour. This will vary depending on ambient temperature. However, as detailed above they are only required to stay at temperature for up to 20 minutes for heat therapy, and less when used cold.

Q) Can the Hot & Cold Packs be too hot?

Yes. After heating as per instructions check the temperature on your own wrist. You should be able to hold it in place without it being uncomfortable. If the packs are heated for too long in the microwave they can burst.

Q) How do I avoid ice burn?

The Hot & Cold Packs should always be used inside the pouch provided. The material of the pouch has been specially chosen to reduce the risk of ice burn, but at the same time allowing sufficient heat/cold transfer.

Q) How can I keep the Hot & Cold Packs at the right temperature if I don’t have facilities to heat or freeze at the yard?

Placing the packs in an insulated bag will help keep the packs hot/cold on your way to the yard.

Q) Can I wash the pouches?

If you remove the Hot & Cold packs from their pouch, the pouch can be washed inside out. We also suggest placing them inside a wash bag or a pillowcase.

Safety Information

1. Do not use on open wounds/broken skin
2. Do not use if infection could be present
3. Do not use heat on a new injury (the first 48 hours)
4. Do not use cold therapy prior to exercise
5. Do not overheat the gel pack as this might cause it to burst
6. Never place the gel pack directly onto the skin without the protective pouch
7. For external use only
8. If gel fluid comes in contact with the skin or eyes, flush with water
9. Do not use if pack is punctured or torn
10. Keep out of reach of children
11. Do not ingest gel fluid