Cold (cryotherapy) and heat (thermotherapy) are both great ways of reducing pain. Heat can boost blood flow to the area, ideal for stiffness or warming up muscles before physical activity. On the other hand, cold slows down blood flow to the area, reducing swelling and pain associated with injuries like strains and sprains. If you suffer with a long term condition like arthritis, experiment with hot and cold therapies to see which works best for you.