Published July 15, 2021
Pain comes in many forms and from many causes. At AIPI we see patients hurt in slip and fall accidents, car crashes, sports and more, and we offer a range of treatments, from radiofrequency rhizotomy to pain injections and more intensive care plans.
For mild pain that doesn't need a doctor, there are many ways to treat it at home without medication: light activity, stretching, good posture and more.
If those don't work, the next stop is often over-the-counter products. One of the most common for topical relief is Icy Hot, a brand of gels, sleeves and other products applied to the sore area to temporarily relieve mild aches. But does it really work?
What is Icy Hot?
Icy Hot is a counterirritant. It's based on the gate control theory of pain, which suggests that creating a sensation in one area can block pain signals from another. The idea is that the nervous system can't fully process pain and non-pain signals at the same time, as if there's a gate that certain inputs can open or close.
How does Icy Hot work?
The classic Icy Hot balm contains menthol, methyl salicylate and capsaicin.
- Menthol creates a cooling sensation. Your skin isn't actually cooling; menthol activates the receptors that sense cold.
- Methyl salicylate is the counterirritant. It irritates the skin just enough to block other pain signals, which is why it's in many topical products.
- Capsaicin delivers the heat. It's the same compound that makes chili peppers hot.
The noticeable cool-then-hot sensation is enough of a distraction that the brain pays less attention to other pain, like sore muscles and achy joints.
Does Icy Hot really help?
If you've used Icy Hot, you know something is happening. But can a sensation on the skin really help pain?
There isn't much research on how well over-the-counter topical products like Icy Hot work. As a first step for mild pain, they may offer some relief by temporarily distracting you from it.
It's important to know that Icy Hot doesn't heal anything. It doesn't affect your muscles or repair damaged tissue. It simply distracts from the pain, hopefully long enough for your body to start healing.
For acute pain, chronic pain or more serious injuries, its effect will likely be minimal. For that kind of pain, see a medical provider as soon as possible.
Getting help when you need it
None of this means Icy Hot doesn't work. It means you should understand how it works and what its limits are. For mild, temporary pain, real ice and heat can be very effective, as can other simple home techniques.
If you're in pain or have questions about treatment at AIPI, get in touch any time.