The therapeutic use of cold or warmth is a well-known physiotherapeutic treatment. Whether to use heat or cold on the affected area depends on the type of pain. Heat has been known for generations to be an effective way to relieve pain caused by muscle strain and tension, and in many cases applying external heat sources can relieve muscle pain. Cold is recommended for acute conditions, such as acute inflammation or injuries, e.g. sports injuries such as sprains, contusions, bruising, and swelling. If you are in doubt as to whether to apply heat or cold, please consult your pharmacist or physician.

Both products can be used for the relief of musculoskeletal pain. They differ in their mode of action. Elastoplast Capsaicin Heat Plaster induce the feeling of warmth by means of  a pharmacological ingredient and inhibit the pain-transmitting Substance P whereas Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pads are an external source of physical heat.
Elastoplast Therapeutic Heat Pads provide long-lasting deeply penetrating physical heat. They therefore can also be used by persons who react with unpleasant skin sensations when using capsaicin creams, ointments or pads.

Elastoplast Capsaicin Heat Plaster can be used for the relief of muscle pain, e.g. muscle strain and tension as well as for low back pain. These indications are approved and covered by clinical studies.

The Elastoplast Capsaicin Heat Plasters should not be applied on broken or damaged skin.

Based on long-term marketing experience and published literature no evidence has been provided that there are cases of interaction with prescription or OTC oral pain relievers.

The plaster is not intended to be applied at the same time as other products, e.g. other medicated topical products on the same application site.

Once the Plaster is applied to the skin it cannot be reused.