New SmartTemp Dual Action Hot & Cold Pad Offers Therapeutic At-Home Relief

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass., Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Under the SmartTemp™ brand, Kaz Inc., a global manufacturer of health and wellness products, is launching the SmartTemp Dual Action Hot & Cold Pad (HC2000), a reusable gel pad with a revolutionary design that combines both hot and cold therapy at the same time.  The new SmartTemp pad offers therapeutic relief for general aches and pains and trouble areas caused by sports injuries, joint pain and arthritis.  As a general rule of thumb, RICE (rest, ice, compress and elevate) therapy is recommended to athletes for relief from acute injuries like sprained ankles, but most Americans aren't aware of the benefits simultaneous hot and cold therapy can offer.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111024/NE91491 )

According to the American Pain Society, the use of continuous, low-level, and long-term heat is an effective treatment for common pain disorders.  Doctors recommend 15-20 minutes of heat therapy time per session using a product such as the SmartTemp Dual Action Hot & Cold Pad, during which the outer layer of heat increases blood flow to the target area, while the inner cold layer simultaneously reduces inflammation.  The flexibility of the pad allows it to be used on various pressure points, including shoulders, ankles, elbows, and knees.  

"Cold therapy is the best immediate treatment for acute injuries because it reduces swelling, inflammation and pain. Ice causes the blood vessels to constrict, limiting internal bleeding at the injury site," said David E. Larson, MSPT, owner of Boston-based Joint Ventures Physical Therapy and Fitness.  "Heat therapy, however, reduces the sensation of pain and increases circulation to the injured or sore area, which means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the damaged tissue.  Longer-term, at-home therapy products like the SmartTemp Pad can help relax muscles, reduce stiffness, and promote flexibility."

Unlike other natural pain relief products on the market, the SmartTemp Dual Action Hot & Cold Pad is the only product available to consumers offering simultaneous hot and cold therapy. The SmartTemp Dual Action Hot & Cold Pad has a suggested retail price of $26.99 and is available at Rite Aid drugstores nationwide and the Kaz Online Store.  For more information on gel packs, reusable heating wraps, electric heating pads and wraps, visit www.kaz.com.  

About Kaz

A world leader in high quality healthcare and home environment products, Kaz is a state of the art, dynamically-managed, global leader in healthcare devices and home comfort products that operates in over 65 countries on six continents with a brand portfolio that includes Vicks, Honeywell, Braun, and more.  SoftHeat and SmartTemp are registered trademarks of Kaz, Inc.

SOURCE Kaz Inc.