Pain relief without pills.

There are more ways to fight pain than just taking pills.

Compresses. soothing baths, or topical medications can all be used to help ease discomfort. Here are a few options you may want to try:

Use Hot or Cold Compresses – Both can provide relief for sore muscles and joints. Cold packs are often used on new injuries. They help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. Heat, is not recommended for use on new injuries but is great for chronic injuries. You usually need to wait 48 hours before using heat on any injury. Hot packs work by helping bring more blood to the treated area, so they can quickly soothe and reduce pain and tension. For best results, use either hot or cold packs for only 15-30 minutes at a time. Always protect your skin before applying and don’t use them with creams or lotions, or on open cuts and sores. Don’t use cold or hot compresses on skin with poor circulation, or poor sensation to heat or cold, if you have diabetes or if there is infection.

Take a warm bath. A warm bath can help soothe your body, ease aches and pains and relieve stress. Life Brand has citrus, lavender, vanilla, and eucalyptus scented bath salt products to help you relax and energise your senses.

Try a Topical Pain Reliever. These are medications you can apply directly to the skin. They are found in sprays, creams, ointments or even patches. Many contain ingredients (menthol, methyl salicylate, camphor) which create a heating or cooling sensation that distracts your mind from the pain. And, if you don’t like the odour, Life Brand Extra Strength Odourless Analgesic Cream is available.

As for any medication, it’s important to read and follow the directions and cautions very carefully. Never apply a cream to open cuts or under a bandage and never use one together with other topical creams (e.g. suntan lotions) or a heating pad, as they may cause skin burns. Check with your Doctor before using any topical medicines to make sure they are safe for you to use. And, always wash your hands well after using and avoid touching your eyes with the product on your hands.

Ask your pharmacist about the options available. Life Brand has many types and sizes of Hot and Cold Compresses including the best-selling Hot/Cold Compress which contains a gel pack that can be used for both heat and cold, There are also topical medications, as well as a broad range of fragranced Epsom Salts to add to your bath.