As of 2025, approximately 7.3 million Australians are affected by musculoskeletal conditions, and healthcare providers are seeing a noticeable shift toward non-pharmacological pain relief options. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, demand for hot and cold therapy products has surged in both institutional and consumer markets. These reusable tools are now a standard across public hospitals, aged care homes, ambulance services, and even home first aid kits[1].
In an increasingly budget-conscious healthcare landscape, hot and cold packs offer reliable, low-cost, drug-free pain relief. From procurement strategy to patient satisfaction, they remain a critical supply category in any pain management inventory.
In this article, we will explore how gel packs support pain management, the science behind temperature-based healing, and top recommendations for gel-based pain relief options.
How Do Hot and Cold Packs Help in Pain Management?
Hot and cold therapy works by influencing blood flow, nerve activity, and muscle function at the site of application.
Cold Therapy (Cryotherapy)
Cold packs, when applied after acute injuries, cause vasoconstriction. This reduces blood flow to the area, limiting swelling and helping prevent secondary tissue damage. Cold exposure also desensitises local nerve endings, leading to a temporary but noticeable reduction in pain. This vasoconstriction effect minimises tissue damage in acute trauma, making cryotherapy ideal for:
- Sprains and soft tissue injuries (within the first 48 hours)
- Post-surgical inflammation
- Headaches and migraines
- Lower back or joint pain flare-ups
Cold also acts on peripheral nerve receptors, dampening pain signals. This makes it a popular choice in ambulance kits and sports injury clinics for fast, non-invasive relief.
Heat Therapy (Thermotherapy)
On the other hand, heat therapy increases circulation and tissue flexibility. It promotes muscle relaxation, helps flush out inflammatory byproducts, and relieves stiffness in joints and soft tissue. Heat expands blood vessels (vasodilation), increases circulation, and delivers oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues. It relieves chronic tension, muscular stiffness, and promotes healing by:
- Soothing arthritis
- Easing menstrual cramps
- Relieving postural strain from prolonged bed rest (common in aged care)
- Preparing muscles for physiotherapy
According to Better Health Channel, alternating hot and cold applications is especially effective for recurring conditions such as chronic pain and post-exercise muscle soreness[2].
Is an Ice Pack Endothermic or Exothermic?
An ice pack is an endothermic tool. When applied to the body, it absorbs heat from the skin and underlying tissues. This heat transfer process lowers the local temperature of the application site, reducing inflammation and slowing nerve activity.
Some commercial cold packs initiate an endothermic chemical reaction when squeezed, triggering instant cooling without pre-refrigeration. Reusable gel packs, on the other hand, are physically cooled before use and work by absorbing body heat. This makes them ideal for use in aged care, emergency first aid, and post-surgical recovery where controlled and sustained cooling is essential.
Understanding the thermodynamics behind these tools helps healthcare professionals apply them more effectively, ensuring safe and targeted pain relief.
Gel-based hot and cold packs allow safe application of both modalities without cross-unlike traditional hot water bottles or crushed ice, which can be messy and less controllable.
Hot and Cold Packs in the Australian Healthcare Market
Given the increasing demand for self-managed recovery tools and non-invasive pain care, hot and cold packs remain one of the most procured and recommended items in both public and private healthcare. These products support fast discharge models, aged care rehabilitation, and mobile allied health providers, offering flexibility without compromising on therapeutic value.
Reusable gel packs also align with sustainability goals. Unlike single-use packs that contribute to medical waste, gel packs can be sterilised and reused, supporting green initiatives in healthcare.
Procurement professionals across Australia now prioritise high-quality, multi-use options that meet both safety and performance benchmarks. That is why many turn to Livingstone’s collection of reusable hot and cold gel packs, a trusted choice for reliability, supply consistency, and local distribution.
For government health policy on non-drug therapies, refer to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care[3].
As healthcare settings increasingly favour non-invasive, self-managed therapies, temperature-based treatments continue to offer a proven, low-risk solution. Whether in high-volume clinical environments or home first aid kits, choosing the right gel pack contributes to better outcomes, improved patient comfort, and more sustainable care practices.
References
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024). Chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/musculoskeletal-conditions/contents/summary (Accessed: 13 June 2025).
- Better Health Channel (2024). Treating persistent pain. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/Treating-persistent-pain (Accessed: 13 June 2025)
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (2025). Clinical Care Standards. Available at: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au (Accessed: 13 June 2025)