Although this sounds like the name of a cool Melbourne bar, it is in fact a way of treating swollen joints or inflammation around tendons (sometimes referred to paratenon inflammation or tenosynovitis). If you having issues taking anti-inflammatories, this could very well be the thing for you.
A seasoned sports trainer in my early years as a physio told me about the voltaren glad wrap method, and I was delighted to discover that my patients were seeing and enjoying significant benefits! Easy, quick and works while you sleep; the night wrap can be done simply with things purchased from the pharmacy.
The method is simple. You’ll need:
- Voltaren/Diclofenac Gel
- Hirudoid Cream
- Glad wrap/Film dressing (without the absorbent pad)
- Apply equal amounts of the gel and cream to your painful area
- Mix into a thick paste but don’t rub it in
- Cover with glad wrap/plastic dressing and leave it on overnight while you sleep (must be plastic to ensure the creams aren’t absorbed while you sleep)
- Remove the wrap in the morning and wash away the cream residue
That’s it, that simple!
Does it work? Experience suggests it works best for inflammation that is superficial or close to the skin. It is also important to note that there is no research investigating whether it is effective at reducing swelling.
We think it works because Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory that reduces swelling and Hirudoid is an anti-coagulant, in which means it can help resolve superficial bruising and hematomas.
The benefits of this method are that it is not an oral anti-inflammatory treatment, so will have less of the side effects that these can sometimes cause (gastrointestinal, liver and kidney issues). The treatment is long lasting, as it works during the hours you sleep. The Glad wrap/plastic dressing will not absorb any of the cream which will maximise the contact with your skin overnight.
Please consult your pharmacist of GP about whether this treatment may be right for you. If the answer is yes, give it a go!
