Unfortunately though, most PNers, including many having neuropathies of the types just listed, must also deal with associated pain. There are people with peripheral neuropathy who can not imagine putting their already burning feet into a pan of warm water. Others find gratifying relief from a warm soak. Then there are PNers who yearn for an ice pack, a cold compress or even a bag of frozen peas to put on their skin when things get tough and their nerves become angry. There are some rules of thumb, though.
Heat generally relieves sore muscles .
Cold on the other hand lessens pain sensations by numbing the affected area. Some think cold relieves pain faster with the relief lasting longer. One expert on hydrotherapy claims that heated water stimulates your immune system and causes the white blood cells to move into your tissues where they help eliminate toxins and wastes. He says that cold water discourages inflammation by contracting or tightening blood vessels. He also mentions that contrast therapies are sometimes used where a patient goes back and forth between heated and cold water.