Heat packs and muscle and joint relief

Reusable hot and cold gel packs

MY Healthstyle makes the three reusable gel packs here: the MY Hot/Cold Reusable Gel Pack in Large, and the MY Hot/Cold Reusable Gel Pack with Adjustable Strap in Small and Large. Each one can be heated or chilled, and two have an adjustable strap to hold the pack in place. Healthdirect notes that heat packs or ice packs may be used to relieve neck stiffness and pain. For a new sprain or strain, though, it recommends rest, ice, compression and elevation, and says a doctor may advise no heat on the injured area. If you are not sure which suits your injury, ask your doctor, pharmacist or physiotherapist.

Heat patches, creams and gels

The Dencorub range covers most options. There are self-adhesive heat patches in a 3 pack and a 6 pack, Regular Strength Heat Cream with 20% methyl salicylate, and a clear Extra Strength Heat Gel with 26%. Penetrating Arthritis Cream uses 10% triethanolamine salicylate, and Dencorub pitches it at people who want to avoid the smell and heat of traditional rubs. The Dual Action cream starts cold and then warms, while Sports Ice Gel is the cold option and comes in a 150g tube.

From Voltaren, Osteo Gel 12 Hourly comes in 100g and 150g and is labelled for mild osteoarthritis of the knees and fingers, and Emulgel comes in 180g with diclofenac diethylamine as its active ingredient. Healthdirect lists anti-inflammatory gels rubbed over the painful joint among the osteoarthritis pain relief options, and asks you to check with your doctor that they suit you. Read every label before use.

Back and cushion massagers

BodiSure offers two Shiatsu-style massagers with a heat option. The Back Massager with heat has an ultra-thin design, four rotating heads that turn either way, a hand-held controller and an adjustable rear strap. The Cushion Massager with heat has a soft cushion shape for several areas of the body. Both run from an AC adaptor on a 2.5m cord and switch off after 15 minutes. More massagers are in our massage therapy range.

Strapping tape and pedal exercisers

• Rigid Strapping Tape 38mm x 13.7m: a box of 12 rolls of adhesive rayon tape from mx Health, latex free, for taping knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, wrists and fingers.
• Pedal Exerciser: a Care Quip pedal unit with adjustable tension and foot straps that stop feet slipping off.
• Digital Pedal Exerciser: the same idea with a display for speed, distance and exercise time, powered by two AA batteries that are supplied.

For knee osteoarthritis, Healthdirect says the evidence is not clear on whether heat or cold packs, taping or a brace help, and suggests asking a physiotherapist. Our guide to aids for pain relief compares packs, braces and supports, and knee braces are listed separately.