When a muscle ache strikes or you've strained yourself, the first thing you reach for is often something to ease the discomfort. The Deep range of products from Mentholatum, including Deep Freeze, Deep Heat, and Deep Relief, are trusted favourites in many homes. But with a range of gels, rubs, sprays and patches, how do you know which one is right for your specific type of pain?
We'll help you understand the different ways these products work, so you can choose the most effective solution and get back to feeling your best.
Understanding Hot & Cold Therapy for Muscle Pain
The key to choosing between these products lies in understanding the difference between hot and cold therapy. It's a fundamental principle of treating minor injuries and muscle discomfort.
Cold Therapy (Deep Freeze): When you have a new injury, like a sprain or a recent bruise, the goal is to reduce swelling and numb the area. Cold therapy does this by constricting the blood vessels, limiting blood flow to the injured area. This helps to bring down swelling and inflammation, which is why a cold compress is often recommended immediately after an injury, just like the NHS advises for sprains and strains. Deep Freeze products work by rapidly cooling the skin, providing that numbing, pain-relieving sensation.
Hot Therapy (Deep Heat): On the other hand, heat therapy is best for persistent aches, stiffness, or muscle soreness that has been present for a while. Think of it as a way to soothe and relax tired muscles. The warming sensation increases blood flow to the area, which helps to relax tight muscles and ease stiffness. It's the perfect relief after a long day or intense workout. The active ingredients in Deep Heat provide a comforting warmth that gets to work on aches.
Deep Heat: When to Turn Up the Temperature
Designed for comforting, warming relief, Deep Heat is your go-to for soothing muscle aches, stiffness, and general back pain. Whether you prefer a cream rub, patch or spray, the products provide a penetrating warmth that helps to relax and loosen tight muscles.
Many people find it particularly effective for:
- General muscle soreness
- Stiff necks or shoulders
- Non-specific backache
- Warming up muscles before exercise
This warming sensation can be deeply soothing for persistent, dull aches. Deep Heat
Deep Freeze: The Cool Approach to Injury
For those times when you’ve twisted an ankle or strained a hamstring, Deep Freeze is the product you need. Its fast-acting, cooling sensation works to numb the area, similar to applying an ice pack. This targeted cold therapy is best used for acute injuries—those that have just happened—to help minimise swelling and provide immediate relief from sharp pain. Patches, sprays and gels give you ability to target painful areas effectively.
Consider reaching for Deep Freeze products for:
- Sprains, strains, and minor sports injuries
- Twisted ankles or knees
- Bruises and swelling
Deep Relief: Combining the Power of Ibuprofen
Deep Relief gel stands apart from the others because it contains ibuprofen, a powerful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), alongside levomenthol. While Deep Heat and Deep Freeze provide either hot or cold sensation to ease pain, Deep Relief offers targeted anti-inflammatory action right at the source of your pain as a gel or patches. This makes it an excellent choice for conditions that involve inflammation, such as:
- Backache
- Rheumatic pain
- Muscular aches and pains
It’s an ideal option when you need more than just a sensation to mask the pain.
A Quick Comparison Table
|
Product Name |
Active Ingredients |
Best For |
|
Deep Heat |
Methyl Salicylate, Menthol |
Soothing muscle soreness, stiffness, and chronic aches. |
|
Deep Freeze |
Levomenthol |
Acute injuries, sprains, strains, and swelling. |
|
Deep Relief |
Ibuprofen, Levomenthol |
Inflammatory conditions, backache, and rheumatic pain. |
How to Care for a Sprain or Strain at Home
For the first couple of days after a sprain or strain, a simple self-care method can make a big difference in your recovery. The following five steps, known as PRICE therapy, can help reduce swelling and support your injury:
- Protect: Use a support or wear supportive shoes to shield the injured area from further harm.
- Rest: Avoid any activity and try not to put weight on the injury.
- Ice: Apply a wrapped ice pack to the area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Compression: Gently wrap the injury with a bandage during the day to provide support.
- Elevate: Keep the injured area raised on a pillow as often as you can.
We understand that choosing the right product can make all the difference. Whether you need the warming comfort of Deep Heat, the targeted cooling of Deep Freeze, or the anti-inflammatory power of Deep Relief, you can find the right solution.
